Willaston School in Douglas has been awarded the Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) Centre of Excellence status.
This achievement is particularly noteworthy as the school had only submitted evidence for the IQM Basic Award.
However, the assessors were so impressed with the school’s commitment to inclusivity and excellence that they recommended bypassing the usual route, which typically takes an additional three years after receiving the basic award.
Centre of Excellence
The assessment, conducted on June 14 by Sarah Linari, involved a comprehensive review of various aspects of the school’s operations, including the IQM Self-Evaluation Report, school data, policies, and direct observations of the learning environment.
The evaluation highlighted Willaston School’s exceptional dedication to creating a nurturing, inclusive, and supportive educational environment.
Key Highlights from the Assessor’s Report:
- Community and Inclusivity: Described as the “beating heart” of the Willaston community, the school is noted for its strong commitment to inclusivity and community cohesion.
- Caring Ethos: The school’s ethos of “care” is evident in all aspects of its operations, from the morning assembly to the thoughtful and considered classroom design that best meets the diverse range of needs of the children. The assessors were particularly impressed by the inclusive, flexible classroom setups.
- Support Systems: The Family Support Workers and Viking provision play crucial roles in supporting pupils’ emotional wellbeing. These initiatives, along with the Solihull parenting program, provide a holistic support system for both pupils and their families.
- Curriculum and Enrichment: The curriculum at Willaston School is designed to be inclusive and engaging, with a focus on experiential learning and cultural capital. The assessors praised the school’s efforts to provide diverse and meaningful educational opportunities, both inside and outside the classroom.
- Leadership and Vision: Willaston School’s IQM Project Leader Abbie Irving, has guided the school towards developing and deepening a culture of inclusivity and continuous improvement. The partnership with Dhoon School and Laxey School exemplifies a collaborative approach to education, sharing resources and best practices to enhance pupil experiences across all three schools.
- Community Engagement: The school’s strong links with the local community, including the involvement of the Police Community Support Officer and various local professionals, enrich the pupils’ learning experiences and create a sense of belonging and safety.
Mrs Linari’s report concluded with a strong recommendation for Willaston School to be recognised as a Centre of Excellence.
Willaston School
Mrs Linari said: “Willaston School not only fully meets the standard required by the Inclusion Quality Mark as an inclusive school but should also be recognised as a Centre of Excellence.
“The school’s inclusive practices, caring ethos, and commitment to reflective improvement are commendable.”
Mrs Linari
IQM Lead Abbie Irving commented on the recognition: “We are overjoyed to receive this recognition. It reflects the collective effort of our staff, pupils, and families.
“Our aim has always been to create an environment where every child feels valued and supported. This award is a celebration of our commitment to inclusivity and the wonderful community spirit at Willaston School.”
Willaston School will join the IQM Cluster Group, contributing to the sharing of best practices and continuous improvement in inclusive education.
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