Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) – Centre of Excellence
Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) – Centre of Excellence
At Banks Road Primary School, inclusion is not just a policy—it’s a way of life. We are proud to be recognised as a Centre of Excellence by the Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM), celebrating our commitment to inclusive practice, community engagement, and pupil wellbeing.
What is the Inclusion Quality Mark?
The IQM is a nationally recognised framework that supports schools in developing and celebrating inclusive practice. Schools can achieve three levels of recognition:
- Inclusive School Award
- Centre of Excellence
- Flagship School Status
Banks Road Primary School has held Centre of Excellence status since 2023, following our successful IQM Inclusive School Award assessment.
Why Banks Road is a Centre of Excellence
Our most recent IQM reviews (2024 and 2025) highlighted the following strengths:
Inclusive Ethos
- Inclusion is embedded in every aspect of school life.
- Staff know every child and family personally, adapting provision to meet individual needs.
- Our values—Respect, Friendship, Determination, Trust and Positivity—shape our culture.
Curriculum and Assessment
- A broad, balanced and knowledge-rich curriculum tailored to our pupils.
- Innovative assessment practices including live marking, formative feedback, and FFT spotlight tracking.
- Adaptations such as sensory breaks, visual timetables, and Zones of Regulation support all learners.
Leadership and Staff Development
- Strong, visionary leadership driving inclusive change.
- Staff CPD is prioritised, including the development of an Assistant SENDCo and a Staff Wellbeing Ambassador.
- Governors play an active role in supporting and challenging inclusive practice.
Community Engagement
- Events like the Summer Festival and Winter Wonderland bring families together.
- SEND coffee mornings, adult learning courses, and the Banks Road Bank promote inclusion beyond the classroom.
- Partnerships with local services, charities, and even national media (BBC’s The One Show) showcase our outward-facing approach.
Celebrating Diversity
- Awarded the School of Sanctuary (2018, 2023), John Cole Memorial Award, and Rainbow Flag Award.
- Curriculum includes No Outsiders, Jigsaw PSHE, and Opening Worlds to promote equality and global citizenship.
- Staff and pupils reflect the diversity of our community, including EAL, LGBTQ+, and refugee families.
Cluster Collaboration
As part of the IQM Gardeners Cluster Group, our SENDCo and IQM Lead regularly attend termly meetings to share best practice and learn from other Centres of Excellence and Flagship Schools. These sessions have inspired:
- Staff wellbeing initiatives
- Sensory breakout spaces
- Enhanced parental engagement strategies
Next Steps
Our IQM journey continues with ambitious targets for 2025–26:
- Strengthening assessment and curriculum leadership
- Re-establishing a full Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
- Expanding community events and global links (including a Spanish school partnership)
- Further developing pastoral care and staff wellbeing
What Others Say
“Banks Road is a place of safety and welcome… a magical world.”
“Staff know our children, not just by name, but by need.”
“The school doesn’t just support pupils—it supports whole families.”