A primary academy based in Wakefield is celebrating after it was awarded an inclusion Centre of Excellence status.

Outwood Primary Academy Kirkhamgate has been awarded the Inclusion Quality Mark Award by IQM and named as an IQM Centre of Excellence. 

According to IQM, 'becoming an IQM Centre of Excellence is an opportunity for schools to build on the success of being one of the very special schools which hold the Inclusion Quality Mark Inclusive School Award.’

Just over 200 schools in the country have been awarded the title of Centre of Excellence by IQM, a figure that highlights the great work being done by Outwood Primary Academy Kirkhamgate to get this level of recognition.

Lisa Cooke, Principal at Brandy Carr Road-based primary school, said:

“This is recognition of the continued commitment and dedication of all our academy community, and reflects the high level of work that is being done.

“Our staff regularly go above and beyond to ensure that every student succeeds and achieves their full potential in all aspects of life.”

With its Centre of Excellence status providing an opportunity to build on current capacity, with ongoing support from the IQM team, Outwood Primary Academy Kirkhamgate, which is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, is looking to progress further having developed an action plan to continue the academy’s work. 

In the primary academy’s IQM Award report, the body praised Outwood Primary Academy Kirkhamgate for being ‘an inclusive school where children are at the heart of every decision.’

The report praised the primary school’s open communication nature, highlighting:

“Communication is a key strength of the school. From the open-door policy of the Headteacher, the pupil voice opportunities and the parental engagement strategy, someone is available to speak to you. This is a listening school. Staff are consulted so that they feel informed, and part of the school journey. They know their voice matters.”

The focus on the children and inclusivity was focused on by the assessors with the final report saying:

“All staff know their pupils and this dedication allows them to ensure children are happy, well-rounded, and achieving. During the learning walk and tour of the school, it was clear to see that inclusivity is part of the whole school ethos. Pupils have a voice and are seen as individuals. Staff are adept at adapting resources, and the curriculum, to suit the needs of all.”

Lisa added:

“We look forward to continuing our work to provide a happy, safe, and inclusive school for all.

“This is not the end of our inclusion journey, and we will continue to promote the inclusion quality principles of promoting access and diversity, raising achievement for all, creating an environment for all to succeed, and improving the inclusive nature of all schools.”