Darwen Saint Peter’s Church of England Primary School Achieves IQM Inclusive School Award with Centre of Excellence Status

August 17, 2026

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Congratulations to all at Darwen Saint Peter’s Church of England Primary School on achieving the IQM Inclusive School Award with Centre of Excellence Status. This well-deserved achievement recognises a school where inclusion is not treated as an additional strand of school life, but is embedded as the foundation upon which all practice, decision‑making and relationships are built.

Policies Into Practice

The school’s inclusive practice is firmly underpinned by a coherent and well‑understood policy framework. The Behaviour Policy, Safeguarding Policy and SEND Policy are not treated as standalone documents but are clearly reflected in daily practice, staff decision‑making and pupil experience. Parents and pupils describe consistent approaches to behaviour, emotional regulation and support, which align closely with the school’s stated expectations and responsibilities. The SEND Policy informs a graduated, needs‑led approach to support, while safeguarding arrangements emphasise both protection and emotional wellbeing. This alignment between policy and practice ensures that inclusion is embedded systematically rather than dependent on individual staff.

Supporting Emotional Wellbeing

A particular strength of the school is its highly effective approach to social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) support. Dedicated regulation spaces, including the Pine Room and the Sensory (Peace) Room, are well established and understood by pupilbe as safe, supportive environments where they can selfregulate, reflect, or receive targeted support. Pupils confidently explain how and when they use these spaces, describing them as places that help them calm down, think clearly, and return to learning successfully. Importantly, pupils understand that accessing these spaces is not a sanction but a positive strategy to support wellbeing and learning.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

The curriculum is broad, balanced and enriched by a wide range of experiences that support both academic progress and personal development. Pupils speak positively about their learning across subjects and value opportunities to engage in creative, practical and outdoor learning. Forest School is frequently highlighted by pupils as a favourite aspect of school life. They describe activities such as campfire cooking, teamwork challenges, outdoor exploration and adventurous play, which help them build confidence, resilience and communication skills. Careful organisation into small groups ensures inclusion, safety and strong relationships.

Communication Opens Doors

Language and communication are a clear priority across the school. Consistent assessment and intervention enable staff to identify gaps early and provide targeted support. Pupils with significant communication needs access bespoke intervention, with progress carefully tracked and shared across staff and with families to ensure consistency. The school‑wide use of Makaton supports inclusive communication and enables pupils of all ages to express needs such as “help” or “break” confidently.

Sowing Future Success

The school’s Christian vision, “Sowing the seeds of tomorrow”, is lived daily and underpins a culture of kindness, respect and aspiration. Pupils feel valued as individuals, are encouraged to try their best and take pride in their achievements. As a result, pupils demonstrate growing independence, emotional resilience and confidence as learners and members of the school community.

Find Out More About IQM

The Inclusion Quality Mark provides schools with a nationally recognised framework for developing and celebrating inclusive practice.

If your school is interested in achieving the IQM Inclusive School Award, contact the IQM team on 028 7127 7857 or email admin@iqmaward.com.

To find out more about IQM and request a free information pack, visit www.iqmaward.com.