DNEAT MAT News

Kessingland Church of England Primary Academy has met the criteria to become a Centre of Excellence for Inclusion and was awarded this status by IQM (Inclusion Quality Mark).

The school is now one of around 240 schools in the UK to have met the standard required to become an IQM Centre of Excellence for outstanding inclusion best practice.

Headteacher Mr Adrian Crossland said: “The feedback report highlighted the wonderful relationships between staff, pupils, parents, and leaders and highlighted the inclusive ethos we have worked hard to achieve. There were many wonderful comments within our IQM report including the ethos of inclusion that shines through in all that is done at Kessingland Church of England Primary Academy.”

Of many great things outlined it the report, it said: “Inclusion is clearly at the absolute heart of this school and the deep care and affection for pupils is evident from the leaders and the staff at all levels. The ethos and culture of this school, combined with its highly effective systems and skilled and passionate staff team make it a beacon of excellent practice in Inclusion. There is a setting where a true feeling of ‘family’ and ‘belonging’ is promoted and the best interests of every individual pupil are held in mind. It was a privilege to spend the day with such a passionate and committed staff team.”

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

There are three award levels, beginning with the IQM Inclusive School Award. Two higher award levels are available to schools that continue to grow and develop their practice in conjunction with other like-minded schools – IQM Centre of Excellence Award and IQM Flagship School Award.