A junior academy based in Scunthorpe is celebrating after being recognised nationally for its work on inclusion.

Outwood Junior Academy Brumby was awarded the Inclusion Quality Mark Award by IQM, while also being named as an IQM Centre of Excellence. 

The IQM 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 after which the academy was praised for its approach to inclusion. 

The report noted that ‘inclusion is a golden thread which runs through everything they do, with the emphasis on putting the children above anything else.’

Matthew Vickers, Lead Principal at the Queensway-based academy, said:

“We are proud and thrilled to have been accredited with the prestigious IQM Award, which highlights that inclusion at all levels is of paramount importance 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.”

During self-evaluation, the criteria for Outwood Junior Academy Brumby was broken down into numerous sections, focusing on inclusion values and practice of the school, Leadership, Management and Accountability, Behaviour, Attitudes to Learning and Personal Development, Links with Local, Wider and Global Community and Teaching and Learning.

The follow-up two-day inspection consisted of the academy being visited by an IQM assessor, who went through the self-evaluation topics in detail for a full formal assessment.

Within the assessment report is glowing praise of the academy’s support efforts, especially since the coronavirus lockdowns:

“Mental health and wellbeing (MHWB) is prioritised by all Leaders. MHWB is often a focus for the ‘Time To’ and PSHE sessions. Following the return to school after the national lockdown, Leaders decided to increase the frequency of the ‘Time To’ sessions to twice a day (previously once per week) to provide MHWB support to pupils and give them the opportunity to reflect, explore and connect with each other.”

The children at the academy were also praised for their attitudes, being described as ‘a real strength and excellent ambassadors for their school. They are confident, friendly, and articulate. The caring, nurturing ethos, alongside the positive approach by staff, encourages pupils to “be safe, be respectful and be responsible.”’

Such was the positive nature of the assessment, within the report was a recommendation for the academy to apply for IQM Centre of Excellence status, which it did and was successful.

Matthew added:

“The accreditation is definitely 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 and creating an environment for all to succeed, as we strive to ensure we are an IQM Centre of Excellence.”