Oakfield recently had its inspection to assess whether it continued to meet the criteria for their currently held Flagship Status.
In a nutshell, it is a mini Ofsted-like inspection to look at how inclusive we are. The visit lasts a day and is carried out by an external assessor. It is rigorous, teachers, leaders and children are spoken to, and lessons are observed. Books, interventions and provision plans are also scrutinised.
This is all to ensure that we remain inclusive through all we do, regardless of children’s needs. Only around 100 UK schools have achieved IQM Flagship School status. This award recognises those unique schools who have held IQM Centre of Excellence status for at least 3 years; and played a strong leadership role in developing inclusion best practice across a network of schools.
The assessor commented:
‘Oakfield meets all the criteria (and more) of an IQM Flagship school. They do not stand still for very long and are constantly looking forward to finding what works for their children. They have much to be proud of. I am therefore firmly of the opinion that Oakfield Primary Academy continues to fully meet the standard required by the Inclusion Quality Mark’s Inclusive School Award to maintain its status as a Flagship School.’
This is a huge deal for Oakfield! Long may it continue. Well done to the entire SEND Team.
Rajinder Kaur Gill,
Headteacher
