A SCHOOL has received an award for its work around inclusion throughout the pandemic.

Church Road School, in Captain Clough’s Road, was assessed remotely over two days in March, via a virtual tour as well as interviews with staff, children, parents and governors.

The Inclusion Quality Mark assessment report was “overwhelmingly positive”, say staff. And as a result, the school has now been recommended to become a centre of excellence.

Carolyn Rigby, the school’s inclusion lead, said: “It is a testament to the good practice that happens every day within the classrooms at Church Road. It is also a recognition of the dedication and hard work of the staff at school.”

The assessor enthused about Church Road’s response to the most recent lockdown, when the school’s chair of governors shared that staff had hand-delivered basic equipment to children so they were able to access online learning.

Ofsted defines an educationally inclusive school as one where the teaching and learning, achievements, attitudes and well-being of every young person matter equally.

The report said: “Church Road’s recent Ofsted report attests to the inclusive nature of the school, citing high expectations of all and how children are effectively taught to appreciate the differences between people.

“Leaders have high expectations for every member of the school community, and have ensured that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, are able to access a wide and balanced curriculum.”

A parent told how her child’s teacher had sensitively approached her about her child’s emerging needs. Another added: “The school couldn’t have done any more.”

In concluding her report, the assessor said Church Road fully meets the standard required by the Inclusion Quality Mark’s Inclusive School Award.