Halton Lodge awarded Inclusive School

June 23, 2026

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Halton Lodge Nursery and Primary School is a one-form entry primary school in Runcorn, within the borough of Halton. This area faces challenges such as higher-than-average levels of deprivation. 65% of pupils are eligible for Pupil Premium Funding and 27.5% are identified as SEND.

The school hosts a Key Stage 1 SEMH resource which provides specialist support for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs.

There is a strong commitment to inclusive practice and a welcoming and supportive environment where pupils feel valued and respected. Pupils demonstrate a clear sense of belonging within the school community and feel that their views are listened to. This positive culture contributes to a calm and purposeful learning environment where pupils and families are encouraged to participate fully in school life.

Staff across the school demonstrate a strong collective commitment to inclusion and work collaboratively to ensure pupils’ needs are met. There is a shared belief in the school’s inclusive ethos and commitment to supporting pupils and families.

The learning environment across the school is calm and purposeful, and classrooms are organised in a consistent way that supports pupils who benefit from clear routines and expectations. The school has clear systems and strategies to support pupils facing dysregulation and staff have a strong understanding of individual triggers. They can proactively plan to manage these where possible. Pupils are supported in their journey towards developing self-regulation through Zones of Regulation and Time-Out cards, which empower them to take control of emotional responses.

Supported to succeed

Halton Lodge’s core values are “Ready, Respectful and Safe”. Leaders and staff are committed to ensuring each pupil is recognised as an individual and that they are each supported to achieve. Staff understand that inclusion begins with understanding the context of the wider community, social circumstances, and individual needs. There is a commitment to ensuring staff know individual pupils.

At Halton Lodge, staff believe that inclusion means meeting pupils’ needs while also promoting independence and aspiration. Learning activities might be adapted to promote confidence and engagement, including personalising tasks to match interests or providing pre-teaching opportunities to prepare pupils for class. Staff are highly reflective and flexible, giving every child the best possible opportunities to take part.

Halton Lodge follows the Weaver Trust curriculum model, which provides a well sequenced framework that enables pupils to build knowledge, skills and vocabulary progressively from Nursery through to the end of Key Stage 2. Adaptive teaching is clear in every classroom, with pupils of a wide range of abilities accessing the curriculum successfully. A core English text might be adapted so pupils can read a version aligned with their current phonics knowledge, enabling pupils to read the same text and engage meaningfully in discussion. Digital platforms are used to provide resources to allow pupils to record ideas independently. Assistive resources, practical models and pre-prepared learning materials for students who require additional scaffolding are also available, many universally to all.

Leaders ensure that pupils benefit from meaningful learning experiences beyond the classroom. Educational visits and residential opportunities for every class in Key Stage 2 form an important part of the curriculum offer and help broaden pupils’ experiences. Pupils visit local care homes and take part in experiences that they might not all otherwise be able to encounter.

Pupils feel comfortable approaching staff with concerns and believe that adults will listen and help resolve problems. Opportunities for pupils to contribute to school life are also well established through initiatives such as the Smart School Council, where pupils lead discussions within their classes and contribute to decision making across the school. This approach means that every pupil has a voice in decisions, not just school council members.

Halton Lodge Nursery and Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusive values and practice. The school’s nurturing ethos, dedicated staff and clear leadership vision ensure that pupils feel supported, valued and able to participate fully in school life. IQM is proud to award them Inclusive School status.