Scarcroft Primary School has become the fifth school belonging to York-based Excel Learning Trust to be officially awarded the Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) Inclusive School Award, in recognition of its deeply embedded inclusive values, high-quality pastoral care, and tailored support for all learners, particularly those with SEND and EAL (English as an Additional Language) needs.
Following the lengthy process of self-evaluation, feedback and a formal two-day assessment visit from assessors, Scarcroft Primary has not only been awarded the IQM but has also been named as a Centre of Excellence for inclusion.
The IQM provides UK schools with a nationally recognised validation of their inclusive practice and ongoing commitment to developing educational inclusion. Schools must be able to demonstrate that inclusion has a school-wide impact and is sustainable. The Centre of Excellence Award recognises those IQM Inclusive Schools which continue to demonstrate a commitment to outstanding levels of inclusive best practice.
In the IQM report, assessor, Ms Rosy Vincenzi stated that Scarcroft is “a school with a distinctive sense of community and warmth, consistently described by staff, pupils, and parents as a special place where children feel happy, valued, and eager to attend — reflected in its high levels of attendance and engagement.”
Located in central York and part of the Excel Learning Trust, Scarcroft serves a uniquely diverse community where over 25 languages are spoken and 20% of pupils speak English as an Additional Language (EAL). Despite these challenges, the school has been praised for creating a calm, welcoming, and nurturing environment where every child feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Scarcroft’s Head of School, Mrs Jen Mitchell, said “This IQM award reflects the hard work, compassion and commitment from the whole Scarcroft team to improve the lives of the children in our care. I am really proud that the assessor recognised that we are united by a strong commitment to inclusion and a clear belief that children’s needs should never define them. My thanks go to everyone in the school community – colleagues, pupils, parents, families, governors, Trust colleagues – for their ongoing support and collective drive for inclusion.”
The IQM assessor also commended Scarcroft’s innovative ‘Nest’ nurture space for children needing additional support, and its school-wide commitment to adaptive teaching. The report also praised the school’s “relentless” focus on emotional wellbeing, daily restorative ‘Circle Time’, and a curriculum designed to reflect and respect diversity.
Sue Wight, Director of SEND and Safeguarding at Excel Learning Trust said “I am delighted for the team at Scarcroft – they thoroughly deserve this recognition. As the report states, inclusion is not just a value at Scarcroft – it is central to the school’s ethos and embedded in every aspect of school life. There is a real commitment to meet the needs of every learner, who in turn are given the space and confidence to identify their own needs and access appropriate support. I totally agree with the parent who claimed Scarcroft is the “best school on the planet!”.”
Scarcroft Primary School’s IQM report can be found at: https://scarcroftprimaryschool.co.uk/inclusion-quality-mark/
14 July 2025