Fawbert and Barnard Infants’ School Retains Inclusive School Award

August 20, 2026

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Congratulations to everyone at Fawbert and Barnard Infants’ School for retaining their Inclusive School Award. It is a testament to their highly inclusive, community driven and child centred environment, where leadership, staff and families work in close partnership. 

Trusted by the Community  

The school is clearly embedded within its community and holds a strong local reputation, with comments such as “always full with a waiting list” reflecting high levels of demand and trust. Parents spoke very positively about their experiences, highlighting that they value “understanding my child as an individual”, “there is never any judgement” and “they create an environment which is very nurturing”. When asked the best thing about the school, one parent simply responded “everything” and another stated “I couldn’t do it without them”, reflecting deep trust and partnership between home and school. 

A Space Designed to Nurture 

The school is very well laid out and presents as a warm, welcoming environment that is highly conducive to nurturing young learners. There is a clear sense that the physical environment has been carefully considered to support both emotional wellbeing and learning. A particular strength is the way in which every available space has been intentionally designed and used to benefit pupils, reflected in the staff view that “we utilise every space”. This intentionality is evident across the site, where spaces are not static but adapted to meet changing pupil needs throughout the day. 

Spaces That Adapt and Inspire  

One of the most striking aspects of the visit was the school’s flexibility in how spaces are used. The library, for example, has been transformed into a multi-use sensory space, demonstrating a creative and inclusive approach to resource management. Similarly, outdoor areas are well equipped and in some cases are being further improved, ensuring that pupils have access to rich, varied and stimulating environments. Display areas across the school celebrate pupils’ work and reinforce a strong culture of achievement and recognition. 

Community Connections That Matter 

The school is clearly embedded within its community and holds a strong local reputation, with comments such as “always full with a waiting list” reflecting high levels of demand and trust. Parents spoke very positively about their experiences, highlighting that they value “understanding my child as an individual”, “there is never any judgement” and “they create an environment which is very nurturing”. When asked the best thing about the school, one parent simply responded “everything” and another stated “I couldn’t do it without them”, reflecting deep trust and partnership between home and school.  

Where every child belongs 

A significant highlight of the visit was time spent in the “Nest”, an onsite alternative provision for four pupils. This provision is a standout feature of the school and exemplifies its commitment to inclusion in practice. The environment is carefully structured to meet individual needs, with total communication approaches including Makaton signing, objects of reference and visual timetables. Although each child presents with very different needs, all are being effectively supported within a highly responsive and personalised setting. The emphasis on “inclusion in the moment” is clearly evident here, and the provision represents a powerful example of meeting need through flexibility, expertise and care. 

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.