Oakwood Junior School Achieves IQM Flagship Award

August 20, 2026

---

Oakwood Junior School has achieved IQM Inclusive School Award with Flagship status in recognition of the school’s deeply embedded culture of inclusion and its determination to ensure that every pupil can thrive within a learning environment that reflects the experiences and aspirations of its community. 

A Culture of Acceptance, Belonging and Respect  

Oakwood Junior School is a setting where inclusive provision flourishes as a result of a genuinely caring ethos and an incredibly dedicated staff team. Leaders are unwavering in their determination to offer the very best for all pupils, regardless of need and background. High expectations for every member of the school community combined with an empathetic and personable approach enables pupil to thrive in a broad range of areas. 

The Headteacher and her dedicated team have worked with determination to foster a respectful school community where diversity is celebrated and every pupil feels a sense of belonging. 

Inclusive Practice in Action  

A sense of calm and purpose permeated the learning environment at Oakwood Junior as pupils listened attentively to one another and spoke with clarity and enthusiasm. Each classroom was adorned with wonderful and varied displays which really demonstrated a sense of pride in the environment as well as the pupils’ learning. There were many bespoke and thoughtful adjustments evident. For example, a number of pupils were engaging in Physical Literacy sessions in the school hall with the PE as part of their provision. Visual prompts and widgets were readily available for those that needed them and teachers and support staff provided guidance where required to scaffold learning and create an inclusive curriculum for all.  

Prioritising Wellbeing for All  

Mental health and wellbeing for pupils and staff is rightly held in high regard at Oakwood and various aspects of provision are in place to support this area. I met the school’s therapy dog, ‘Ron’, who happily and calmly mingles with the pupils throughout break and lunchtime periods. He is clearly loved by the pupils. The school champions the role that nature and the outdoors can play in supporting positive mental health and staff encourage pupils to access the Forest School at break times as well as in curricular sessions.  

A School at the Heart of Its Community  

The school is at the heart of the local community and organises and promotes a wide range of events that help to contribute to a sense of togetherness and belonging. Pupils participate in a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities that enhance their holistic learning experience. This includes joyfully singing together, holding cake sales to raise funds for local charities, going on exciting field trips to places such as Cresswell Crags and London and whole heartedly celebrating World Book Day.   

Staff are rightly proud of their school. They work together as a united team that goes above and beyond to meet the needs of the pupils and the families they serve. One staff member recognised this by stating, “We all have our own skill set to share and that helps to make us a good team.” They spoke passionately about the wealth of inclusive provision that is in place at Oakwood Junior School and the positive impact they have seen for a wide range of their pupils. Crucially, they know their pupils and families extremely well. When presented with challenging behaviours from pupils they maintain an open mind as to the possibilities behind this. The SENCo stated “we believe that behaviour is a result of another feeling”. Staff value the wealth of training opportunities that the school and Trust provides. They know that their wellbeing is genuinely valued and they feel cared for by school leaders and their colleagues. One staff member encapsulated this by saying “The door is always open, we’re a caring staff.” The Governors and Trust work closely with the school.  

The parents I spoke to on the review day were incredibly positive about the school and the positive difference it has made to their lives. They commended the excellent communication shown by staff and leaders, including the helpful responsiveness to any queries raised. Some of the comments they made when I met the include “the teacher is like a modern-day Miss Honey” (referencing the caring and devoted Roald Dahl fictional teacher) and “they have been really supportive and they always give you the time”. They also valued the school’s approach to promoting an ethos that celebrates all cultures and one parent stated that she appreciated that her views were taken on board when the school planned events to celebrate Black History Month.  

Find Out More About IQM  

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.