Durham Lane Centre of Excellence

June 25, 2026

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Durham Lane is a school which proudly prioritises inclusivity and happiness. Its motto is “Where children and families come first” – staff aim to serve children, their caregivers, and their community of Eaglescliff, Stockton-on-Tees. The school wants to nurture every child and provide a safe, encouraging, understanding and diverse space for learning. The school’s inclusive ethos is apparent in everything that they do, with every decision taking children and families’ needs into account and a culture of continuous improvement, feedback and reflection. Staff want to make sure that every single pupil enjoys the school day, regardless of who they are or where they are starting from. The school’s support of all pupils and their families is obvious in their wraparound care provision, their early morning breakfast club, and varied after-school activities to support working parents and provide pupils with fun and educational opportunities and experiences. Bespoke adaptations for individuals are common, and parents express that “There is no problem too big or too small.” The positive feedback from parents and learners is notable – all feel included and happy to be part of Durham Lane.

Innovation and Inclusion

Durham Lane is extremely forward-thinking and seeks to include every pupil, always. They should be proud of their engaged and positive learners, who benefit from multiple opportunities to take part in pupil leadership roles, are able to create change and speak highly of their impact via charity fundraising ideas and new playtime implementations. The bespoke curriculum is exciting and engaging while remaining challenging. Families can avail of targeted funding support and offers based on engagement between parents and the dedicated SENDCo. Pupils understand the importance of diversity and inclusion saying, “we are treated fairly.” Interventions such as “Talk Boost” are used to help pupils requiring additional support.

Pupils are encouraged to access support until they feel they no longer need it, giving them confidence to grow in their learning and gradually remove scaffolds. The school fosters self-belief and enthusiasm in children, highlighting individual

strengths and encouraging every child to aim high. Staff and leaders also have high expectations of themselves, always seeking to further support every child, especially disadvantaged pupils. Everyone is clear about work taking place across the whole school, and there are plenty of opportunities for continuing professional development.

Families First

Durham Lane has a “let’s all join in” attitude, which encourages children to take responsibility for and pride in themselves and their learning. A focus on oracy has made pupils more confident and helped them advocate for themselves and others. Pupils can discuss their emotions, talk about their feelings and make use of Zones of Regulation. They can give themselves space to allow emotions to pass and clearly feel safe to discuss issues with any adult in the school.

Parental engagement is a core part of life at Durham Lane. Parents are involved in school life via termly questionnaires, regular parent meetings, invitations to assemblies, performances, and a calendar of events. Durham Lane uses Seesaw and Class Dojo to communicate pupil progress and celebrate every child at home and in school. SEND meetings are attended by many parents and have helped shape arrangements such as early starts, pre-term visits and detailed transition documents.

Prior to Easter Break, Durham Lane Primary hosted “Durham Lane Family Quiz Night” where parents were invited to attend the school to take part in a quiz – they host these nights throughout the year alongside other events such as fundraisers, arts competitions, science club, and field trips, which parents are notified of via the school website. Durham Lane is providing an enriching and supportive environment for all children and young people.

Durham Lane Primary is committed to inclusion and we are proud to award them Centre of Excellence status.