Houndsfield Primary School Achieves IQM Inclusive School Award with Centre of Excellence Status

September 2, 2026

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Congratulations to Houndsfield Primary School on achieving the IQM Inclusive School Award with Centre of Excellence Status. This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to the school’s unwavering commitment to inclusion, high aspirations for every learner, and determination to remove barriers to success. This well-deserved recognition celebrates the dedication of the entire school community and its outstanding contribution to inclusive education.  

Excellence Through Inclusion 

Houndsfield Primary School is an exceptional example of inclusive practice. The strength of relationships, ambitious curriculum, specialist provision and unwavering commitment to removing barriers ensure that every child is given the opportunity to succeed. The school continues to transform lives through its inclusive culture and unwavering belief that every child can flourish. As one leader stated, “inclusion is for everyone not just for some.” 

Ambitious Learning Pathways 

All pupils access the same ambitious curriculum, with appropriate adaptations ensuring everyone can make progress. Seating plans are carefully considered and resources are readily accessible to all learners. The curriculum has been carefully planned through detailed progression maps for every subject, identifying the key skills and vocabulary pupils need to develop. Teachers use these to create personalised learning targets and lessons that meet the needs of every child. Live marking allows misconceptions to be identified and addressed immediately, ensuring pupils receive timely support. 

Specialist Support Success 

One of the school’s greatest strengths is its specialist provision. The in-house additional resource provisions support pupils with a range of needs, including cognition and learning, speech and language, and social, emotional and mental health. The bespoke nature of each provision was particularly impressive. Staff shared examples of pupils successfully returning to mainstream classes following targeted support, although decisions are always based on what is right for the individual child rather than fixed timescales. 

Stronger Together 

A strong culture of collaboration exists across the school and the Attigo Academy Trust. Leaders explained, “the Trust’s values are aligned with our own.” Staff use shared Padlets covering inclusion, safeguarding, mental health and transitions, which one member of staff described as a “one stop shop for staff” where “you can find everything all in one place.” Leaders explained that this allows teachers to spend more time considering how to adapt learning for their own classes. 

Music Unlocks Potential 

Music is an outstanding strength and provides rich opportunities for every child. Every class receives a weekly instrumental lesson delivered by the Trust music teacher, who is also the Trust Head of Music. Pupils can participate in lunchtime choir, African drumming, recorder tuition, the Year Six pop band and Young Voices at the O2. The school has achieved Gold Standard recognition through Enfield Music Service. Staff explained that “everyone does a concert” because “the purpose of music is to share.” Leaders also shared examples of children who have excelled through music despite finding other areas of learning more challenging. 

Find Out More About IQM     

The Inclusion Quality Mark provides schools with a nationally recognised framework for developing and celebrating inclusive practice.     

If your school is interested in achieving the IQM Inclusive School Award, contact the IQM team on 028 7127 7857 or email admin@iqmaward.com.     

To find out more about IQM and request a free information pack, visit www.iqmaward.com.