Finalists at the 2025 Includability Awards

Moorland Federation Celebrated as Finalists in Three Categories at the 2025 Includability Awards

The Moorland Federation is delighted to announce that it has been named a finalist in three major categories at the 2025 Includability Awards. A national recognition that honours organisations championing inclusion, wellbeing and people-centred workplace culture.

For a small rural Federation of eight schools in West Somerset, standing alongside nationally and internationally respected organisations, such as Tottenham Hotspur FC, Liverpool FC, Danone, The Gym Group, and the Forestry Commission, just to name a few, is an extraordinary honour. This recognition reflects not only our progress, but the values that sit at the heart of everything we do.

A Sector First: Leading the Way in Education

The Moorland Federation is especially proud to have been the first education organisation in the country to undertake the Includability Verification Process.

This pioneering step reflects our unwavering commitment to the values on which our Federation is built; equity, respect, community, wellbeing and purpose-led leadership.

Leading the way for the education sector has been both a commitment and a privilege. To now be recognised nationally as a finalist in multiple award categories reinforces that the path we forged was meaningful and aligned with our core ethos.

It affirms that schools can be powerful examples of inclusive, compassionate and forward-thinking culture. 

Finalist: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Award 2025

Being shortlisted in this category highlights the Federation’s strong and ongoing commitment to embedding equity and inclusion across all eight schools. Our dedication to fairness, accessibility and positive pupil and staff experience has been consistently recognised throughout the verification journey.

Finalist: Committed Employer Award – Under 100 Employees
Finalist: Committed Employer Award – Overall

This finalist status acknowledges our work in creating supportive, nurturing and purpose-driven workplaces. It demonstrates that even small organisations can model the highest standards of wellbeing, leadership and inclusive culture.

Executive Headteacher, Naomi Philp, commented:
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“To be recognised in three categories of a national award is an incredible honour. It reflects the dedication of our whole community and confirms that inclusion is not just a value for us, it’s a lived culture across all our schools.”

Three-Year Includability Member Recognition

The Federation was also awarded a Three-Year Includability Member Trophy, marking a sustained commitment to learning, reflection and long-term cultural development. This recognition places the Moorland Federation among a select group of leading organisations who have consistently demonstrated courage, care and progress in building inclusive workplaces.

Workplace Champion 2025: Lizi Pravato

The event also brought a personal honour for the Federation as Lizi Pravato, Chief Operations Officer, was recognised nationally as a 2025 Workplace Champion.

“It is an enormous honour to be recognised as a Workplace Champion and to stand alongside such inspirational individuals. The nomination means so much because it reflects the shared commitment of our entire Federation – each staff member, every pupil and our wider school communities - who live our values every day. I am incredibly proud of what we are building together and grateful to be part of a team that puts inclusion, wellbeing and purpose at the heart of its work.”

 Lizi Pravato

Why the Moorland Federation Was Recognised

Across the Includability Verification Pillars, the Federation demonstrated:

• long-term commitment to inclusion and wellbeing
• strong, values-driven leadership across all schools
• an authentic people-first culture
• proactive community engagement
• a focus on fairness, accessibility and development
• a steadfast belief that small rural schools can lead at     a national level

These finalist positions affirm not only what we do, but who we are, an organisation guided by principles, intent and heart.

A Milestone for a Small Rural Federation

For a group of small village schools to be recognised nationally and to stand beside major employers, public bodies and global organisations is a moment of immense pride for our entire community.

It demonstrates that meaningful impact is created through authenticity, values and collective commitment, not size or scale.

Looking Forward

The Moorland Federation remains committed to further strengthening inclusive practice, supporting staff wellbeing and nurturing workplaces where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive.

These finalist recognitions will serve as inspiration as we continue leading the way for education in creating compassionate, purpose-driven environments.