Westwood Primary School Retains IQM Inclusive School Award   

August 27, 2026

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Congratulations to Westwood Primary School on successfully retaining the IQM Inclusive School Award. This achievement is a testament to the school’s unwavering dedication to inclusion, equity and opportunity for every pupil. Through its strong partnerships, empowering culture, innovative practice and commitment to ensuring all children can thrive, Westwood continues to demonstrate excellence in inclusive education.  

Westwood Primary School Retains IQM Inclusive School Award 

The school’s commitment to inclusion is evident throughout its practice. Westwood Primary has expanded its use of the ‘Five Pillars’ approach to encompass safeguarding, inclusion, curriculum, attendance, behaviour standards and wellbeing, with a further pillar currently being developed for Early Years provision. These bespoke visual tools are displayed prominently throughout the school, ensuring that key principles are understood and shared by pupils, staff and parents alike. 

One School Family 

The school’s inclusive culture extends to all staff. Non-teaching staff spoke positively about being included in training opportunities, particularly behaviour training, explaining that it helps them feel more connected to the school community and enables them to make a greater contribution. Several commented that, “It’s not a school, it’s a family,” highlighting the strong sense of teamwork and collective responsibility for pupil wellbeing. 

Empowered To Innovate 

This culture of inclusion is also evident in the school’s physical environment. Adaptations include the installation of ramps and modifications to furniture. Staff praised school leaders for being responsive to ideas and committed to finding solutions that benefit pupils. One member of staff commented, “All the staff here are empowered – it’s a culture. I absolutely love my job because everyone I work with is a genuinely good person.” 

Exceptional Parent Partnerships 

Partnerships with parents are exceptionally strong. Parents commented that teachers genuinely care about their pupils and highlighted the exceptional support and relationships provided by the pastoral team. Parents reported feeling respected, listened to and confident that any concerns raised would be taken seriously. They also recognised the school’s high expectations for their children and valued the strong partnership between home and school. 

Opportunities For All 

The curriculum is enriched by a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, many of which are fully or partially funded to maximise participation. The school strongly believes that every child should have access to cultural and enrichment experiences regardless of circumstance. This commitment is clearly demonstrated through the school’s involvement in the local dance festival. Rather than selecting only the most accomplished performers, Westwood enabled three entire classes to participate. Many pupils performed in public for the first time, reflecting the school’s determination to provide opportunities for all rather than a select few. 

Learning Beyond Classrooms 

Real-world learning is a notable feature of the curriculum. Pupils have written to the King, Members of Parliament and Blue Peter about issues that matter to them, including animal welfare. Responses received are proudly displayed around the school, reinforcing the message that pupil voice is powerful and can make a genuine difference. Learning is frequently enriched through educational visits and immersive experiences. Teachers described their role as helping to close gaps in cultural capital by providing opportunities that families may not always be able to access independently. 

Find Out More About IQM    

The Inclusion Quality Mark provides schools with a nationally recognised framework for developing and celebrating inclusive practice.    

 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.