Ysgol Gynradd Groes-Wen Primary School has been awarded the Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) Inclusive School Award, a nationally recognised framework that evaluates schools based on their ability to provide inclusive education.
The honour highlights the school's steadfast dedication to creating an inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment for every pupil and demonstrates that the school delivers on the IQM principles;
- Promoting access and diversity
- Raises achievement for all
- Creates an environment for all to succeed
- Improves the inclusive nature of all schools
In its report, IQM found that school is a warm, inspiring, and welcoming school community that celebrates Welshness, whilst being committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment where every child, staff member, and stakeholder feels valued, respected, and supported. This approach underpins the school's innovative and unique combined dual language and Welsh 1st language approach to Welsh education.
The rigorous assessment process for the IQM included a comprehensive review of the school's policies, practices, and culture with the school standing out for its innovative approaches. Every day, pupils have daily ‘Fika time,' a concept staff brought back from a visit to Sweden that aims to improve children's emotional literacy by focusing on seven key mental fitness skills developed during short daily sessions.
The Froebelian approach is also usedwhich emphasises a holistic development of children through structured play, creativity, and exploration.This is a key driver of the development of the outside environment and the Nursery curriculum, with plans to develop this in the reception classes from September.
The success of Fika and the Froebelian approach, along with skilled teaching, is evident in the calm and peaceful school environment. Classroom equipment and resources, including lots of natural materials, aid in creating a serene atmosphere, while calm music is played when children are working. As a result, classrooms, although busy and filled with activity, have a sense of calm, focus, and pride among the children for their school.
Headteacher Richard Carbis expressed his pride in the school's achievement, stating: "As Headteacher of Ysgol Groes-wen, I'm extremely proud of the effort of the staff and all stakeholders to be as inclusive as possible to the needs of every pupil in our care which also implies support for our parents. Even though we are a new school, the passion to include everyone on our journey has definitely shown our vision at work. We are always 'Stronger Together ."
The school's Chair of Governors, Anna Taliana said in response to the news: "We maybe small but we are doing the best for our children and the foundations we are building now will put us on the right path to continue this amazing work we are doing."
Cardiff Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry said: "Ysgol Gynradd Groes-Wen Primary School has showcased what it means to be truly inclusive and this award is testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire school community.
To be recognised at this level is an incredible honour and reflects the strength of the school's inclusive ethos- Congratulations."
"Working closely with IQM, we have seen first-hand the positive impact it can have and I'm very keen to see more schools achieve IQM Certification."