A Hartlepool primary school has been granted flagship status from a national education body for its commitment to inclusion.

West View Primary School in Davison Drive had previously been awarded Centre of Excellence status by the Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) but following a recent visit from assessors, the school has risen to flagship status.

In her report, IQM Assessor Joanne Smith, said: “The leaders of West View Primary School embody their vision of inclusion. They approach their work with careful planning using evidenced based research and expert advice.

“Leaders ensure the training and development offer to staff gives every opportunity for them to deeply understand how best to support all pupils, so they are not only included but enjoy school and thrive in all areas of learning and life.

“The leadership team is supported and held to account by knowledgeable and skilled local governors and Ad-Astra Trust colleagues.

“The school continues to develop its strong curriculum. They look for ways for pupils to celebrate learning. The school was recently recognised for its excellent work in phonics with a national award of Little Wandle Champion status.”

The report continues: “West View is proud of becoming an Arts Award Centre – an initiative run by Trinity College London – to inspire young people to develop their art and leadership talents

“The learning environment has been developed with the Curiosity Approach and is outstanding. From the earliest ages, pupils are immersed in their learning activities, both inside and outside the classroom.”

Pupils also come in for praise in the report.

It says: “The behaviour of pupils is excellent. Children are happy and engaged in their lessons. They enjoy coming to school and talk warmly about the staff and their friends. They were eager to talk about the importance of a happy mind as well as being physically fit and healthy.”

Staff and the positive relationship with parents also come in for praise.

“The Inclusion Team is exceptionally supportive to families; they work hard to develop positive relationships and invest time to build trust to ensure the best outcomes for all pupils.

“The team at West View not only plans activities to welcome families so they engage positively in their child’s school journey with them, but they also monitor the engagement through feedback from parents and staff. They are very good at listening to parents and carers and signpost them to services that can support.

“Communication systems in school are strong. The website is a window into a vibrant school packed with information and celebration. Social media and the website also share the leaders’ vision of inclusion and parents shared that this is a real strength of the school.”

The report concludes: “The school continues to move from strength to strength in terms of its superb inclusive practice and I am firmly of the opinion that the school fully meets the standard required by the Inclusion Quality Mark to pursue Flagship School status. I therefore recommend that the school moves to Flagship Status and is reviewed again in 12 months.”

Lauren Furness, Headteacher of West View Primary School, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be awarded flagship status by IQM which is recognition of our ongoing commitment to be a fully inclusive school.

“The award is testament to the continuing hard work and commitment of everyone involved at West View to ensure that the school does everything it can to provide the best possible opportunities for all of our children and the community we serve.

“In particular, I like to say a huge thank you to our IQM Lead Natalie Boagey, who has driven this initiative.”

West View Primary School is one of ten primary schools across Hartlepool, Teesside and County Durham under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.

Andy Brown OBE, CEO of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “Flagship status is not granted lightly by IQM, and I would like to congratulate everyone involved at West View Primary School on this major achievement.

Inclusion is an integral part of our Trust Strategic Plan, and we will be sharing good practice at our Festival of Education on 30th June at Teesside University.

Natalie Boagey of West View Primary School is pictured with pupils.

Click on the link below to read the IQM report in full.

West View Primary School Review – April 2025