This week we’re delighted to welcome seven spectacular schools to the IQM family. Can we give a big shout out to New Brighton Primary School, Westwood Primary School, Aerodrome Primary Academy, Mayplace Primary School, The Chantry School, Prince Henry’s High School, and Kirkdale St Lawrence Church of England Primary.
Strong Sense of Belonging
First up this week we travelled to Barnehurst where Mayplace Primary School secured our prestigious Flagship status.
Following their visit our Assessor noted, “Mayplace PS continues to be a highly inclusive school, with a strong and dedicated Senior Leadership team leading a committed staff. Staff are very aware of all pupils’ needs and strive to make sure that they are doing all that they can for the pupils to achieve their full potential. Staff and children are proud of the school and everyone was very enthusiastic about showing me the great work that is taking place. The school is very reflective about its inclusive practice and uses up-to-date research and ideas to improve their offer to all children.
“It is obvious through conversations that there is a strong sense of belonging and teamwork between staff members. Teachers have worked collaboratively to develop the knowledge organisers for all curriculum areas and all year groups. This will be of great benefit to the pupils and new teachers.”
• Read more – Mayplace PS Achieves Flagship Status
“Aspire, Persevere, Achieve”
Aerodrome Primary Academy is a highly inclusive school which is well regarded in the London Borough of Croydon. It secured IQM Flagship status this week.
The school’s motto is “Aspire, Persevere, Achieve” and it was clear during the assessment that this motto is practiced by all across the school. The school is a warm and welcoming place with very high expectations. Staff understand the value of therapeutic intervention for its pupils and the school employs a Speech and Language Therapist (separate to the therapy provided in the ELP) and a school counsellor.
The Senior Leadership Team (SLT) is very focused on fostering excellent relationships with families. Teaching staff, support staff and pupils talked about wellbeing and there was lots of evidence to show that wellbeing is part of the school culture.
Staff feel supported in what they do and pupils want to be at Aerodrome and do their very best. As one staff member explained ‘the Headteacher is really accommodating and approachable. It has changed my whole life being here’.
• Read more – Aerodrome Primary Academy Achieves Flagship Status
Impactful Leadership Style
Next it was up to Liverpool where Kirkdale St Lawrence CE Primary School secured Centre of Excellence status.
Following their visit, our Assessor explained, “The Headteacher’s impactful leadership style, combined with her warm and approachable demeanour, truly sets the tone for a culture of inclusion within the school community. Her leadership approach is not only effective but also inspiring, leading by example and encouraging all staff members to do the same.
“By prioritising inclusivity, the Senior Leaders create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their background or abilities. This fosters a sense of belonging and acceptance among pupils, teachers, and support staff alike. The Leaders’ dedication to inclusive practice permeates across the school, creating an ethos that is deeply ingrained and embraced by all.
“Senior Leaders demonstrate a perceptive knowledge of the school and empathetic understanding of its unique context. They continuously respond to the needs and challenges faced by both pupils and staff and have developed improvement plans which are rooted in inclusive principles to support all to flourish.“
• Read more – Kirkdale St Lawrence Achieves Centre of Excellence
Mutual Respect
The aura of mutual respect which pervades Prince Henry’s High School is particularly impressive. The Worcestershire school secured Centre of Excellence status this week.
Our Assessor explained, “Students feel that they are consulted, listened to and that they are able to play a meaningful part in both the everyday life and ongoing evolution of their school. They are encouraged to have a strong sense of personal and social responsibility.
“Supportive and accessible frameworks are in place to enable them to demonstrate this in their study habits, commitment to work and also through revealing understanding of and support for others with varying needs within the school and wider community through leadership and positions of responsibility. Opportunities for recognition and appreciation of these qualities are many and judiciously appropriate. A sense of dignified ‘Service’ for others is strong.
“This is symbolised in the frequency of attractive, formal Tea Parties for groups of students (and staff), reflecting the importance of positive interaction, doing something for others to show gratitude and the power of a genuine ‘Thank you’, irrespective of position, power, or status. The formality of the presentation and service on these occasions also provides opportunities for all students involved to practise and demonstrate their individual social skills.”
• Read more – Prince Henry’s HS Achieves Centre of Excellence
Opportunities for Every Child
The provision for sport at Westwood PS reflects the very inclusive ethos in the school. The Lowestoft primary was delighted to secure Centre of Excellence status this week.
Our Assessor explained, “The boy/girl inclusive attitude and the opportunities for every child to attend an event in a wide range of tournaments ensures children can see the benefits of an active life. ‘The school listens to the children and what they want,’ was a comment from the Sports Co-ordinator. There is also a breakfast club for those children interested in sport. It is well attended with 30 children taking part on the day of the assessment.
“The Governors are experienced and their understanding of the key issues relating to school improvement also impact on outcomes for children. The Parent Governor interviewed is an experienced professional and works well with the other Governors in improving governor monitoring and visibility around the school. He is responsible for SEND and has regular daily contact with the parents on the school gate.”
• Read more – Westwood PS Achieves Centre of Excellence
A Real Community School
Achieving the Inclusive School Award this week is New Brighton Primary School.
Our Assessor explained, “New Brighton PS has inclusive values and ethos which focus on the well-being and progress of every child. There are high expectations of all the children, who all experience praise, recognition and success. Its mission, ‘Giving our Best, Achieving Success’ is evident in all aspects of school life at New Brighton Primary School. It is a real community school and its ethos and values reflect this.
“The school places a huge importance on the development of the whole child, not just what they do between the hours of 9am and 3pm. There is a shared desire for New Brighton children to be caring good citizens, polite and resilient.
“The Head simply described his role as, “Bringing the heart and soul into the school.” As part of his vision for the school, he appointed an Enrichment Co-ordinator. The impact of this role has been really significant, providing amazing opportunities and experiences that some children might not otherwise get. He has the Level 3 Beach School qualification and has developed a marvellous school garden complete with a sensory area.”
• Read more – New Brighton PS Achieves Inclusive School Award
Positive Experiences
Our final school to achieve the Inclusive School Award this week is The Chantry School in Worcestershire.
Our Assessor met with numerous staff during the visit and also external bodies which were eager to share their positive experiences working with The Chantry School, notably the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) Ruth.
The school has a clear identity and is dedicated to providing the children in its care with an equal opportunity to achieve their full potential, regardless of race, gender, ability or disability.
Everybody our Assessor met was warm, welcoming, and extremely helpful. Over two days our Assessor met with a variety of stakeholders, either in groups or individually. A standout meeting was the time spent with a large group of Teaching Assistants (TAs) whose care for the students was infectious. They clearly knew the students they supported and knew each other’s strengths as a team. This allows for collaborative working ensuring the students get the support they need at the right time from the right member of staff.
• Read more – The Chantry School Achieves Inclusive School Award
Find out more about the IQM Inclusive School Award
If your school is interested in obtaining the IQM Inclusive School Award or you wish to talk to a member of the IQM team please telephone:
028 7127 7857 (9.00 am to 5.00 pm)
or email: [email protected] for further details.