Stanley Primary School Achieves Centre of Excellence Status

September 3, 2026

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Stanley Primary School has achieved IQM Inclusive School Award with Centre of Excellence Status in recognition of its deeply embedded culture of inclusion and its commitment to ensuring that every child is supported to flourish. The assessment highlighted a school where inclusion is an underlying principle that underpins all practice and where every child really matters. 

Inclusion Is Everything 

“Inclusion is us, it’s everything, It’s natural. As a school we adapt ‘us’ to fit the children.” – Headteacher. 

The school mission statement is; ‘Learning together to create opportunities and experiences to enable our pupils to reach their full potential.’ At Stanley, what a child needs, a child gets. The Stanley Family Ethos is built around 7 values; Sensible, Motivated, Aiming high, Resilient, Team Players, Enthusiastic and Respectful. 

Children at Stanley report that differences are recognised and celebrated. The pupils feel strongly that inclusion is a strength of the school. One pupil explained: “Everyone is different. We all have our differences in many different ways. It’s what makes you, you, a person. It’s what makes Stanley, Stanley.” 

Outstanding Provision Through Embrace 

Embrace 1 pupils enjoy a fabulous outdoor learning environment provided by a local charity, Dreams Come True. Equipment was carefully chosen to include sensory and climbing apparatus and to support creative play. Provision is structured but with the flexibility to ensure that at all times it is tailored to the needs of the pupils. Pupils are thriving, benefitting from the high-quality continuous provision and intensive interactions with staff. Small steps are celebrated. As a result of the intensive work around self-regulation, staff report significant reductions in disruptive, negative behaviours and pupils are now able to take turns during bucket time. The marvellous new turtle bus, a 6-seater push along trolley has been a transformational purchase. 

Pupils are able to access community spaces and shops. A visit to Martin Mere Nature Reserve provided the opportunity for the pupils to blow bubbles across the lake and really engage with the natural world. Pupils have been taken to a hydrotherapy pool, the first experience the pupils had have had of swimming. This is just one, of a raft of examples, of how the outstanding provision is supporting pupils to flourish and grow. 

Creating Opportunities and Experiences 

The formal and informal curriculum is constructed around 5 drivers. These are: Community, Opportunities, Challenge, Character and Communication and Language. The curriculum is always adapted for a particular cohort or class. This responsive approach ensures that it meets the dynamic and changing needs of the children. Pupils benefit from visits and visitors which bring their learning to life. A fantastic link to a bookshop/café has resulted in visits from some A list authors. These visits are amazing opportunities for the pupils, encouraging reading for pleasure. Many pupils will seek out the books in book shops. It creates a real buzz for reading. The authors’ journeys to publication are often inspiring for the pupils, raising aspirations. 

Oracy has been a strand of the school’s improvement plan over the last few years. The school has joined Voice 21 and through this have received high quality CPD. The impact has been an increase in pupil engagement and high order thinking with pupils higher up the school able to back up their ideas with evidence. Pupils have the tools to be confident to contribute orally. 

A School Community That Cares 

Staff are encouraged to think outside the box and do what is right for the child and their families. There has been a significant increase in the number of pupils eligible for Pupil Premium, pupils with SEND, looked after children and those presenting with more complex behavioural and emotional needs. Rather than viewing these changes as barriers, leaders have embraced them and remain committed to ensuring that the school continues to evolve to meet the needs of its community. The Family Support Practitioner works in Stanley a few days a week. The remit of the role is to break down barriers to improve attendance. The philosophy is to do with, not to do for, the parents. Building relationships with parents has been key, providing a friendly, non-judgemental face. 

Every Child Really Matters 

Behaviour seen throughout the assessment days was excellent. The culture and ethos at Stanley is warm, friendly and supportive. Stanley Primary School does not give up on any pupil. They go above and beyond to support a child regulate or reintegrate. 

If a child needs their own space, this will be found. At Stanley Primary School; every child really matters and every moment is precious. The approach to inclusion is authentic and lived every second of every day. It is transforming lives. Inclusive practice is normal practice at Stanley. They will move mountains for their children. 

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.