School among only 200 nationwide recognised for 'commitment to provide the best educational opportunities'

West Rainton Primary School, near Durham City, has earned its second successive Inclusion Quality Mark Award, this time with Centre of Excellence status.

It joins around 200 schools in the country with this level of award.

The accreditation recognises schools which ensure every child has a strong sense of belonging and individual identity in order to springboard them to academic success.

The assessment paid particular attention to the school's remote-learning offer and wellbeing provision during partial closures periods since the pandemic.

Parents and pupils stated they felt a sense of belonging during what was a very isolating time.

Assessors were also very impressed with the strong social, moral, spiritual and cultural curriculum embedded in the school as they saw pupils as young as two celebrating the Hindu festival of Diwali and Year 6 pupils rehearsing a film version of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

Headteacher Alison McDonough said: "Our school is the heart of the community and has its community at its heart.

"This fantastic accolade recognises how hard the entire staff team works to secure the inclusion of every individual within that community.

"We pride ourselves on prioritising the happiness and wellbeing of every pupil through our positive relationships across the entire school.

"It is particularly pleasing that this award has shown how we've even continued to grow and improve on our last award, especially during a pandemic where inclusion was vitally important.

She praised school deputy headteacher and special educational needs and disabilities co-ordinator Susan Firth, who added: "Quite understandably, we are absolutely delighted with such a high level of accreditation, which recognises exactly what our wonderful school is all about.

"Inclusion has always been, and will always continue to be, at the heart of West Rainton Primary School. Being part of such an amazing community is a genuine privilege, and the culture of our school is exceptionally unique."

Quotes from the report included: “At West Rainton Primary School there is a commitment to provide the best educational opportunities for all pupils.

"There is a determination that everything will be done to ensure that every child is both happy and succeeds to the best of their ability.”

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