Rudheath Primary Academy gains recognition for inclusivity

Northwhich school awarded IQM Flagship Accreditation

Rudheath Primary Academy in Northwich, Cheshire – part of the Focus Trust – has been awarded Inclusion Quality Mark* Flagship Status for its efforts to include both parents and pupils as leaders in education and to inform pupils about diversity amongst their classmates.

The award has been handed out in recognition of the school’s success in creating an atmosphere at which emphasises the importance of a holistic approach to education, with a focus on the wellbeing of children and staff and training. An approach that also includes well-being meetings for staff.

Another initiative is weekly wins, where children state what they have been grateful for in the past week.

Rudheath Primary Academy operates in a diverse community and works hard to make sure that it prepares pupils to be valuable members of that community.

Rudheath is also helping to build this positive ethos by collaborating with other local schools. Through the Schools Partnership Programme, Peer Review Champions who reviewed Rudheath commented on “how effective are staff in creating a positive climate for learning for all children” as well as the positive relationship that exists between school, staff and parents.

Parents at Rudheath can contribute to the school through the flourishing Parent Engagement Group, which allows parents to be more involved in their children’s education.

Far from resting on their laurels after gaining Flagship Status, Rudheath is continuing to innovate in its mission to provide a well-rounded education for its pupils. The school plans to introduce a ‘Rudheath Primary Academy Passport’, which will reward children with stamps for gaining new skills and experiences, falling into categories such as; adventure, food, life skills, world of work, sport, volunteering and performing.

Head teacher Andrew Ross said in response to the school’s IQM Flagship status: “Education is not just about grades and tests – it’s about making sure that every child is treated as an individual and leaves our school knowing that they are a success.  The IQM Flagship status reaffirms our belief in Inspiring Minds and Building Futures for our children.”

Focus-Trust is a fifteen-strong multi-academy trust based in the North West, with schools across West Yorkshire, Cheshire and Greater Manchester and, within the organisation, a strong focus placed on collectively working to ensure the best learning environment for each and every pupil.

* IQM was established in the UK in October 2004 with the objective of supporting both state and independent schools to become inclusive.

Inclusion Quality Mark provides schools with a nationally recognised framework to guide their inclusion journey, with a view to promoting equal opportunities for all pupils, whatever their age, gender, ethnicity, attainment and background.

It pays particular attention to the provision made for, and the achievement of, different groups of pupils within a school and any pupils who are at risk of disaffection and exclusion.