A primary academy based in Ripon is celebrating after being praised following an assessment visit by national inclusion body, IQM.

Outwood Primary Academy Greystone, based on Quarry Moor Lane, was awarded the Inclusion Quality Mark Award by IQM and named an IQM Centre of Excellence last year. The award provides UK schools with a nationally recognised validation of their inclusive practice and ongoing commitment to developing educational inclusion.

The recent visit by IQM assessors was to ensure the primary academy was maintaining its high standards and continuing to work towards its agreed targets.

Emma Abbott, Principal at Outwood Primary Academy Greystone, said:

“We are delighted to maintain our IQM Centre of Excellence status, which we believe highlights our commitment to inclusion at all levels. 

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

Following the visit, the assessment report praised the primary academy’s commitment to helping the children fulfil their potential, noting that ‘children are supported to achieve alongside their peers, receiving additional input during lessons via resources and adult support.

Focusing on the primary academy’s approach to supporting the children’s wellbeing, the report said:

“Resources and themes to promote diversity continue to be developed and displayed prominently around the school including a central display comparing different faiths. Each classroom is well-organised and attractive.”

Less than 300 schools in the UK have currently achieved this status, and to do so schools have to successfully have demonstrable plans to sustain and develop internal inclusive practice, amongst other things.

Emma added:

“We are excited and confident that if we continue with our hard work and maintain our determination to always be improving, we will be successful.”

In the 2021 report when the primary academy was first inspected, the report praised the academy’s journey since becoming part of the Outwood Family in 2018, noting it had gone ‘from strength to strength’ and maintained a ‘child-centred approach’ and being a place ‘where children can flourish.’