Chapel Celebrates Prestigious Inclusion Quality Mark Accreditation

Chapel St Leonards Primary School is celebrating a major achievement after being awarded Inclusive School status by the Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM), recognising its outstanding commitment to ensuring every child can thrive and succeed.

The nationally recognised award highlights the school’s dedication to creating an environment where inclusion is embedded in every aspect of school life, from leadership and teaching to pupil wellbeing and family support.

The achievement follows a rigorous assessment process which praised the school’s unwavering commitment to its vision of “Ambition for all, limits for none!”

Despite serving a community facing complex challenges, assessors found a school united by a shared determination to help every child reach their full potential.

The report noted: “Despite the complex challenges within the local community it serves, Chapel St Leonards is united in its mantra; ‘Ambition for all, limits for none!’. This commitment was evident throughout the IQM assessment visit.”

Assessors highlighted the leadership of the Headteacher and the school’s culture of high expectations, recognising that all staff share ambitious aspirations for pupils’ academic achievement, personal development and future career opportunities.

The report stated that this collective commitment has created a culture where staff consistently go above and beyond to support pupils and their families. It also praised the open and supportive environment in which staff are empowered to innovate and introduce new ideas to enhance children’s experiences.

This collaborative approach was recognised as a key strength, with inclusion described as being deeply embedded throughout the school, influencing both strategic leadership decisions and the everyday experiences of pupils.

A particularly significant feature of the school’s inclusive practice is its strong partnership between staff, pupils and parents. Assessors praised the effective three-way communication that supports children both in and beyond the classroom.

The school’s specialist inclusion base, Dolphins, was identified as a standout area of excellence. The provision supports pupils with communication and interaction needs, offering a calm, nurturing and predictable environment for children who may experience anxiety, emotional dysregulation or difficulties attending school.

Staff working within Dolphins were commended for building strong, trusting relationships with pupils while supporting learning, confidence, independence and emotional resilience.

The report recognised the significant positive impact of the provision through a range of case studies and noted that Dolphins had also been highlighted as a notable strength during the school’s recent Local Authority Inclusion Quality Effectiveness Review.

As part of the assessment process, the IQM assessor reviewed extensive evidence including school documentation, the latest Ofsted report, and information published on the school’s website. Meetings were also held with senior leaders, Multi Academy Trust representatives, parents, pupils, teachers, support staff and the Community Links Coordinator.

The assessment visit included learning walks, an audit of the school environment, and tours of facilities including the forest school area and the school’s innovative Beach Schools curriculum, which offers unique opportunities for outdoor learning and personal development.

The final report concluded that the Senior Leadership Team and wider staff body demonstrate a clear and consistent commitment to inclusion, ensuring that every child feels valued, supported and able to achieve.

Receiving IQM Inclusive School status is a significant accolade and places Chapel St Leonards among schools nationally recognised for their exceptional inclusive practice. The award is testament to the hard work, dedication and passion of staff, governors, pupils and families who collectively ensure that inclusion is not simply an aspiration, but a reality experienced by every child every day.

Headteacher, Sherri Borrell, said: “For Chapel St Leonards School, the recognition marks not only a celebration of what has already been achieved, but also a powerful affirmation of our ongoing commitment to ensuring that all children, regardless of background or need, have the opportunity to succeed.”