Staff and pupils at Grove Primary and Westwood Primary Schools in Lowestoft are celebrating being awarded the “Inclusion Quality Mark” and achieving “Centre of Excellence” status. 

The Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) Award provides schools with a nationally recognised validation of their inclusive practice and ongoing commitment to developing educational inclusion.

Furthermore, only (approximately) 240 schools in the UK have met the standard required to become an IQM ‘Centre of Excellence’ for demonstrating outstanding levels of inclusion best practice, so the accolade is high praise indeed.

Mrs Rae Aldous, Executive Headteacher of both Grove and Westwood Primary Schools, said: “We value every child who learns and every adult who works in our two schools, and inclusivity is at the heart of what we do. I’m incredibly proud that we’ve been recognised for our commitment to hearing, encouraging and valuing every voice across our two schools. 

“We have worked tirelessly to embed inclusivity into our educational practices, including the incorporation of the ‘No Outsiders’ programme, which celebrates diversity and inclusion.”

The IQM assessor spent a day at each of the two local schools undertaking a tour of the school validating the comprehensive report submitted. The assessor spoke with members of staff, completed informal observations, had conversations with parents and carers and spoke to the children and staff throughout the days. 

Regarding Westwood Primary, the assessor observed that: “The school expects everyone to show each other that they are noticed, cared for and that they appreciate each other. Westwood Primary is an inclusive school where everyone is welcomed, whatever their ethnicity, religion, disability, behavioural needs”.

The report also commends Grove Primary for its calm and positive approach: “There is a promotion of high self-esteem and high aspirations for every child. Everyone at the school has high expectations for behaviour and strong, consistent routines are in place. These have been developed with staff and explicitly taught. Low-level disruption is rare and classrooms are calm and purposeful. Children are keen to learn, take pride in their work and are engaged.”

With a clear commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities for their communities, the schools and the Active Learning Trust are suitably proud of the recent accolades.

Lynsey Holzer, Chief Executive Officer for The Active Learning Trust said: “We are very proud of all the hard work and commitment shown by staff and pupils at Westwood and Grove Primary Schools, where they celebrate inclusion and diversity in all they do. 

“The ‘No Outsiders’ programme is a fantastic example of how a school can come together as one community where everyone is included. I am delighted that the positive impact this has made has been recognised by the awarding of the Inclusion Quality Mark and that both schools have been named Centres of Excellence.”