A Welwyn Garden City primary school has been awarded for its “inclusive practice and nurturing ethos”.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Deputy mayor of Welwyn Hatfield Barbara Fitzsimon unveils a piece of artwork made by Peartree Primary School to celebrate the school being awarded an Inclusion Quality Mark and centre of excellence. Picture: Danny LooDeputy mayor of Welwyn Hatfield Barbara Fitzsimon unveils a piece of artwork made by Peartree Primary School to celebrate the school being awarded an Inclusion Quality Mark and centre of excellence. Picture: Danny Loo (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2018)

Peartree Primary School was bestowed with the Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) and named as a Centre of Excellence for Inclusion following an assessment.

The IQM was established in the UK in October 2004 with the objective of supporting both state and independent schools to become inclusive.

Inspectors said in their report: “Peartree Primary School is a welcoming and happy school that prides itself on its inclusive practice and nurturing ethos.”

To celebrate the achievement pupils created a beautiful piece of artwork, which every child contributed to, and was unveiled in a special assembly by Welwyn Hatfield’s deputy mayor Barbara Fitzsimmons.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Deputy mayor of Welwyn Hatfield Barbara Fitzsimon unveils a piece of artwork made by Peartree Primary School to celebrate the school being awarded an Inclusion Quality Mark and centre of excellence. Picture: Danny LooDeputy mayor of Welwyn Hatfield Barbara Fitzsimon unveils a piece of artwork made by Peartree Primary School to celebrate the school being awarded an Inclusion Quality Mark and centre of excellence. Picture: Danny Loo (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2018)

Headteacher Clare Herbert said: “We are so pleased with this award and we are very proud of the hard work our staff put in to help our children.

“To be named as a Centre of Excellence is very special and we are delighted that the IQM identified how much progress our children make, regardless of any challenges to their learning.”

Acting deputy head and inclusion leader Clare Bellwood explained that school leaders carefully assess the needs of each child and plan for them individually.

She said: “We take a holistic view. This involves using a child-centred approach to learning so our children feel they have ownership of their own education.”