Little Heath School Achieves IQM Flagship Award

August 14, 2026

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Little Heath School has achieved the IQM Inclusive School Award with Flagship status, reflecting its strong culture of inclusion and its steadfast commitment to creating an environment where every child is encouraged to flourish, develop confidence and achieve their very best within a supportive school community.

“Little Heath helps me with everything. They act as my friends and family.”

A School Where Every Pupil Thrives

There is a sense of warmth and engagement at Little Heath School that pervades all the classrooms and corridors. Pupils trust and are respectful to the adults who work with them. There is mutual enjoyment between staff and pupils during the learning sessions.

Parents are very complimentary of the school. They say teachers know their children very well. They explain how all the systems work and are always available to give support and advice.

Expanding Provision to Meet Growing Need

In response to the increasing number of pupils with SEND needing specialist placements, the school has introduced many changes this year to house and educate this increased population. A new semi-formal suite is almost ready to open which will include five brand new classrooms as well as an independent life studio flat where pupils will be able to practise skills on a day-to-day basis to help consolidation.

The Zones of regulation are evident in all classrooms; their use adapted to the pupils’ level of understanding.

Learning Through Personalised and Inclusive Practice

As pupils reach six form, they have an opportunity to continue developing their employability skills at the Jungle café in Ilford. The school tuck shop is also run by pupils who are at the earlier stages of employability training. Six form pupils spend half of their curriculum time doing lessons in a classroom and the rest of the time working in the café, supporting by a full-time and consistent teacher. Pupils are all seen as having a right to be part of the local community. Reception aged children from a local primary school visit the provision where year 11 pupils from Little Heath have started reading sessions for the younger pupils.

Three of the students from last year’s cohort have been accepted for Project Search, King George’s hospital, partly due to their work at the café. Once again there have been no pupils who have not had an educational/ training placement to attend as they leave the school.

The whole school curriculum continues to be based on resilience, empathy and respect, with lots of work taking place on the school’s core values. The Entry pathway is specifically designed for year 7 pupils, many of whom have come from mainstream.

Preparing Pupils for Life Beyond School

Careers provision at the school continues to be very good. On leaving the 6^th form, all pupils had a training or work-based destination: no pupils are NEET. Pupils made coasters for a Dragon’s Den initiative with other schools in the area. They pitched the product and won the Award! They sold the coasters at Christmas to parents and staff. It was a very successful project.

On entry to the school, parents said that they did not know other families. In response to this, the school invites families into the school for many social events, many held on a Saturday so that the families get a chance to socialise as well as enjoy a range of cultural events together. It reduces the sense of isolation that can be all to present with families who have children with additional needs.

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.