Shafton-Based Secondary Academy Earns National Inclusivity Award

A secondary academy based in Shafton is celebrating after it was awarded a nationally recognised award for its work on inclusion.

Outwood Academy Shafton, based on Engine Lane, was awarded the Inclusion Quality Mark Award by IQM. The award provides UK schools with a nationally recognised validation of their inclusive practice and ongoing commitment to developing educational inclusion.

The academy’s success comes after a long assessment process, which was split into two phases beginning with a self-evaluation followed by a two-day assessment by the IQM team.

Cara Ackroyd, Principal at Ofsted Good-rated Outwood Academy Shafton, said:

“We are delighted to have been accredited with the IQM Award, showing that inclusion at all levels is paramount to us. 

“At Outwood we believe that every child deserves the best education, no matter their start in life and we work tirelessly to ensure we deliver on this belief. This accreditation is testament to that work.”

There are over 5,500 academies and schools in the UK who have either received an IQM Inclusive School Award, or are actively working towards meeting the standard required.

During self-evaluation, the criteria for Outwood Academy Shafton was broken down into five sections, focusing on inclusion values and practice of the school, the learning environment, resources and ICT, learner attitudes, values and personal development, learner progress and impact on learning, and learning and teaching.

The follow-up two-day inspection consisted of the academy being visited by Assessor Kelsey Clark-Davies, who went through the five self-evaluation topics in detail for a full formal assessment.

The report highlighted the high priority that mental health and well-being of both staff and students is given, with Outwood having in place a mental well-being strategy in place. As well as the academy being praised for its work caring for students and their sensory needs, which are ‘well considered with some pupils having “Early passes” out of lessons to avoid busy, congested periods in corridors.’ 

Cara added:

“The assessment process was very professional and thorough and we were happy to welcome the IQM Inspector to our academy.

“The accreditation 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.”