Oatlands Infant School, part of the Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust, has announced that it has won the only national inclusion award in the UK. The Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) have existed for over 20 years and operate in over 20 countries. There are 100 Flagships internationally, with Oatlands Infants now being one.
Creating the right conditions – considering communities and circumstances
By working closely with the neighbouring junior school, even though they belong to different Trusts, Oatlands Infants has further strengthened continuity and support for pupils and families. Both within Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust and more widely, the school is increasingly recognised as a centre of excellence in inclusion, reading for pleasure, and physical activity areas that are deeply embedded in everyday practice rather than delivered as standalone initiatives. See the news article below for comments from Head Teacher, Mr Harrison.
The school has taken a leading role in the Creating Active Schools (CAS) framework professional development programme and were contributors as a nationally recognised case study for the Opening School Facilities (OSF) initiative in partnership with North Yorkshire Sport and the Department for Education. Oatlands Infants were one of a very small number of establishments selected to access targeted funding and training through North Yorkshire, reflecting both its strategic approach and its capacity to deliver sustainable impact.
Looking ahead, this work is continuing to develop. In the 2025–26 academic year, the school was accepted onto the Positive Experiences Patchwork Programme one of only twelve groups nationwide leading efforts to elevate the profile of physical literacy within their communities. Importantly, Oatlands Infant School is the only school represented in this cohort. Through collaboration with organisations such as Sport England, StreetGames, British Cycling, Swim England, Neurodiverse Sport CIC, the Tour de France, England Netball and England Athletics, the school will work closely with North Yorkshire Sport to support other schools serving complex communities. The programme will focus on expanding active opportunities, with a particular emphasis on active travel and promoting activity within the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Opportunities to share and extend good practice are embedded within Trust networks. For example, the PE & Whole School Physical Activity Lead supports other settings through the CAS professional development programme, helping to strengthen provision across the wider partnership.
Inclusion and physical activity
Looking ahead, the school is exploring a wider range of opportunities for childrenparticularly those with SEND to further develop their gross motor skills. It also aims to expand team‑building activities that strengthen communication and collaboration, with a specific focus on supporting pupils with SEND and those who are EAL.
The school is also developing plans for a dedicated sensory corridor. The existing corridor spaces are well suited to tactile wall panels and clearly marked movement circuits on the floor, enabling movement breaks to become a natural, embedded part of the school day.
It is evident that a thoughtful and proactive approach underpins Oatlands’ work with both the OSF and CAS frameworks. These partnerships have unlocked a range of innovative initiatives designed to increase physical activity and enrich pupils’ daily experiences. As a result, children are showing rapid and noticeable improvements in behaviour, quality of play and gross motor development. This has become a seamless aspect of everyday school life, supporting regulation and wellbeing for all pupils in an inclusive and sustainable way.
Through the IQM assessment it was noted that one particularly successful initiative has been the Bike Bus. Its popularity has grown steadily, and it now runs fortnightly, with up to 120 riders from the Infant and Junior Schools taking part. The training of marshals was fully funded by the school through OSF), reflecting a clear commitment to removing practical barriers and making participation both safe and sustainable. This initiative sits alongside the school’s free-to-use Bike and Scooter Library, also funded through OSF.
Families are able to ‘hire’ bikes, scooters, a trailer, a tow bar and a car rack at no cost. This provision has been carefully designed to break down barriers to physical activity and active travel. Although the local area is not characterised by financial poverty, many pupils live in homes without garages or gardens, limiting opportunities to practise riding.
Parents spoke positively about the opportunity to borrow equipment, explaining how access to bikes and car racks has empowered them to be more active as a family. The initiative not only supports community connection it is creating genuine positive experiences
The Bike Library and Bike Bus together provide a practical and inclusive solution, enabling children and families to build confidence, develop new skills and find meaning, value and enjoyment.
Influencing Whole School Physical Activity Approaches
The school is well placed to build on this momentum. The next phase will involve sharing effective practice more widely, while continuing to refine and strengthen their physical activity offer. The aim is to ensure that provision remains sustainable, innovative and responsive, supporting not only its own community, but empowering others to enhance their active and inclusive practice.
Click here if you are interested in seeing the Oatland Active Travel approaches in action!
