Meadows First School Achieves IQM Inclusive School Award

September 3, 2026

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Meadows First School has achieved the IQM Inclusive School Award in recognition of its unwavering commitment to inclusion, belonging and ensuring that every child can succeed. The assessment highlighted a school where inclusion is not an initiative or a project, but a way of being, creating a community in which every learner feels safe, respected, valued and capable of achieving their potential. 

A Culture Where Everyone Belongs 

At Meadows First School, inclusion is not just an aspiration, it is firmly embedded within its culture, relationships and everyday practice. 

Leaders described inclusion through phrases such as: 

“People are heard,” “You said, we did,” “Belonging.” 

These values were evident across every aspect of school life. The CEO and Governors described a culture where staff seek to “find the best in everyone and thrive” and recognise that pupils are “all equal but different.” 

Pupils, families, governors, staff and leaders are united by a shared commitment that every child feels safe, respected, valued and capable of succeeding. 

Leadership with Authenticity and Heart 

A significant part of the school’s success comes from leadership that is reflective, ambitious and deeply committed to inclusion. 

The assessor highlighted a moment that captured the school’s ethos perfectly. After a parent thanked the Headteacher for including her son, who has complex learning needs, in a school club, his response was simple: 

“There is no need to thank us. Your child is a pupil at our school and has the right to access the same opportunities as everyone else.” 

Leadership decisions are driven by evidence, collaboration and a commitment to improving outcomes for pupils. Staff described leaders as open, supportive and focused on wellbeing, while governors were praised for providing both challenge and support. 

Learning Designed for Every Child 

The curriculum at Meadows First School balances ambition with accessibility, ensuring that every pupil can engage, participate and succeed. 

Leaders have developed a curriculum built around five principles: Unique Child, Positive Relationships, Key Knowledge and Skills, Love of Learning and Global Citizens. The Wellbeing Wheel sits at the heart of school life and supports learning, assemblies and personal development. 

During the visit, strong evidence of adaptive teaching was seen throughout classrooms. Learning was supported through visual prompts, symbols, modelling and carefully planned scaffolding. Staff demonstrated a clear understanding of how to adapt teaching whilst maintaining high expectations. 

Learning is adjusted according to individual needs, ensuring pupils receive appropriate support and challenge whilst maintaining high expectations. 

Rights, Wellbeing and Personal Development 

One of the school’s greatest strengths is how deeply the Rights Respecting Schools framework is embedded throughout the community. Children aren’t just taught about their rights; they actively live them. 

Pupils were able to describe how their views genuinely shape school life. Examples included additional playground equipment, the creation of a crochet club and contributions to environmental projects through the Eco Council. 

One particularly powerful example involved pupils noticing that another child appeared lonely at playtimes. They raised their concerns and helped establish a rota system to ensure the child always had someone to play with. 

The Wellbeing Wheel is central to this approach. Themes such as “Safe Me”, “Unique Me” and “Healthy Me” help pupils become happier, more resilient and better able to self-regulate while developing confidence, responsibility and social awareness. 

Strong Partnerships with Families and the Wider Community 

Relationships with families were identified as a significant strength. Parents consistently described support as responsive, personalised and highly effective. 

One parent shared that staff had: 

“Gone above and beyond to get to know him.” 

Families feel listened to, respected and actively involved in decisions affecting their children. Communication was consistently described as open and responsive, with staff viewed as approachable partners. 

Beyond the school gates, Meadows First School has developed meaningful links with local, wider and global communities. Pupils engage in projects focused on food poverty, homelessness, environmental sustainability and children’s rights, helping them understand their role as active global citizens. 

Find Out More About IQM 

If your school is interested in achieving 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, www.iqmaward.com.