Moor Park Primary Achieves IQM Centre of Excellence Status

September 2, 2026

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Moor Park Primary School has achieved IQM Centre of Excellence Status in recognition of its deeply embedded culture of inclusion and its unwavering commitment to ensuring that every child is welcomed, valued and enabled to succeed. The assessment highlighted a school where inclusion is not viewed as a separate initiative, but as the foundation upon which every aspect of school life is built. 

The Moor Park Way 

The Moor Park Way provides a clear, ambitious and highly visible framework that is understood, modelled and lived by leaders, staff, pupils and families alike. 

It is far more than a set of values; it is a shared culture that shapes expectations, behaviours and everyday practice. Over recent years the school has undergone a significant transformation, establishing a consistent and highly effective approach where children are known as individuals, strengths are celebrated and barriers to learning are proactively identified and removed. There is a powerful shared belief that what is essential for children with SEND is beneficial for all children. This principle has transformed practice by ensuring that adaptations, nurture, relationships and high expectations are embedded within universal provision. As a result, pupils feel valued as individuals, develop trusting relationships with adults and demonstrate the confidence to engage, contribute and take risks in their learning. 

High Expectations and Nurture Working Together 

A significant strength of Moor Park lies in the way leaders have created a culture where high expectations and nurture work seamlessly together rather than being viewed as competing priorities. There is a shared understanding that inclusion does not mean lowering expectations; instead, it requires thoughtful adaptation, strong relationships and an unwavering belief that every child can achieve. Staff demonstrate a deep understanding of children’s individual needs, interests, strengths and lived experiences, enabling them to respond quickly and effectively when barriers arise. Adaptations are purposeful, carefully considered and embedded within high-quality teaching rather than relying upon withdrawal or separation. This ensures that pupils, including those with SEND, disadvantaged pupils and those experiencing social, emotional or personal challenges, remain fully involved in the life of the classroom and wider school community. The school’s approach demonstrates a sophisticated understanding that reducing barriers requires both consistency and flexibility. Carefully planned approaches such as soft landings, access to safe spaces, regulation support and trusted relationships prevent difficulties from escalating and enable children to remain connected to learning. 

A Voice for Every Child 

The school’s exceptional commitment to oracy further strengthens its inclusive culture by ensuring every child has the language, confidence and opportunity to express themselves. Pupils are taught that their voice matters and that listening to others is equally important. 

This has had a significant impact on children’s confidence, self-esteem and ability to contribute meaningfully to discussions about their learning and their school. 

The exceptional development of Voice 21 further strengthens this inclusive culture. 

Oracy is embedded as a vehicle for belonging, confidence and pupil agency rather than a standalone initiative. Children are taught the language needed to express feelings, share opinions, resolve conflict and advocate for themselves and others. As a result, all pupils, including those who may previously have struggled to communicate effectively, have a voice that is recognised and valued. 

A Culture Where Everyone Belongs 

Behaviour across all areas of Moor Park is excellent and reflects the strength of the relationships, consistency and inclusive culture that have been intentionally developed across the school. Leaders and staff have created an environment where children feel safe, valued and understood, enabling them to develop the confidence and security needed to engage successfully in learning. Pupils are engaged, motivated and actively contribute because expectations are clear, relationships are strong and adults provide the right balance of support and challenge. 

One of the most striking features of Moor Park is the extent to which inclusion has become the catalyst for continuous improvement across every aspect of the school’s work. There was compelling evidence that pupils experience school as a place where they are known as individuals, where their voices matter and where adults consistently seek to understand rather than simply manage behaviour or overcome difficulties. 

Ultimately, Moor Park demonstrates that exceptional inclusion is achieved not through individual initiatives but through the deliberate creation of a culture where every decision, every relationship and every aspect of practice is informed by a shared moral purpose. This depth of cultural change is the school’s greatest achievement. It has created an environment in which children and adults alike are able to flourish because diversity is embraced, barriers are removed before they become limiting, and everyone shares an unwavering belief in the potential of every learner. 

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, visit www.iqmaward.com.