St James’ is a Centre of Excellence

June 25, 2026

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St James’ Church of England Infant and Nursery School is located in the heart of inner-city Derby. The staff model everything that they want the children to learn as they develop their social skills, showing care, respect, kindness, and the skills of working together, taking it in turns, helping others, and talking clearly so everyone can join in; as well as a full range of academic skills that are heavily based in oracy, reading, writing, Maths and Science. The classrooms have indoor and outdoor learning areas that are accessible and fully interactive. St James’ is proud to be a member of Autism Advocates and was invited to be part of the Project for the Inclusion of Neurodivergent Pupils in School (PINS). The school has two trained ELSAs (Emotional Literacy Support Assistants) who have had a positive impact on the children as they support them to identify and navigate their range of emotions and improve their social skills and interactions with others.

Language support

There is a totally committed and dedicated team of staff, who fully invest in each child, helping them to overcome their barriers to learning. Staff offer a magical toolkit of kindness, understanding, care, respect, dignity and warmth as they welcome each child into their school, whenever they arrive. The Head, Governors, and Educational Consultant speak highly of each other and obviously work together well as a group of forward-thinking professionals, to meet the changing needs of their children and their families.

Many children have English as an Additional Language – the staff at St James’ work to increase the children’s vocabulary and language banks in as many forms as possible – verbally, in writing (by hand as well as digitally), and pictorially, using Widgits and vocab flowers, as well as using repetition, so that the children are immersed in the English Language. St James’ Church of England Infant and Nursery readily use click technology for those children who have physical difficulties which prevent them from being able to write.  Talking Tins and talk boards are used widely to support the total immersive communication with Widgits and literacy scaffolding (at different levels) used throughout the day and across different subjects, giving a consistent approach.

The curriculum at St James’ Church of England Infant and Nursery is flexible and adaptable to the needs of children, with staff being proactive in addressing social, emotional, physical and fitness needs. An example is the setting up of a temporary swimming pool on the playground for three weeks in the summer term to allow children daily swimming lessons rather than weekly, promoting water safety.

A bespoke curriculum

As St James’ Church of England Infant and Nursery School has designed its own bespoke curriculum for its learners with greater needs, they have undertaken CPD around neurodivergence and created the Blossom Hub which focuses primarily on the needs of St James’ neurodivergent children. Around fourteen children access the Blossom Hub during each day, benefitting from visual timetables, additional support from staff, and connection with a smaller group of learners. This allows children who require additional space, time, and support to flourish. Many children move into mainstream provision over the course of the academic year as they develop their social skills and learning.

The Early Years Foundation area at St James’ Church of England Infant and Nursery School is light and airy with dedicated learning areas, and resources.  It is decorated in calming neutral and natural colours chosen to not overwhelm or overstimulate the children. Nursery and Reception children work alongside each other at different times of the day developing “at stage not age.” Velcro “Spots” are used to support visual countdowns to the end of an activity to promote calm transitions.

This school is committed to supporting families, especially those that are new to the area or have EAL. Pictorial letters, bilingual staff, and support from the New and Emerging Communities Team promote communication. Together with parents/carers they have developed the role of Parent Advocate for children with SEND, looking at ways of supporting families through their ‘Let’s Talk/Learn Together.’

The bespoke Blossom Hub offers Stay and Play sessions. As part of Derby University’s increased offer of places for overseas students and academics, there has been an increase in the number of families from Nigeria moving to the area, with parents attending or working at the university. Their children now attend St James’. St James’ Church of England Infant and Nursery School has responded by focusing particularly on educating children about Africa as a continent, and its many countries and cultures. An example of this is the work completed by Year 2 on Wangari Maathai and her work.

St James’ Infant and Nursery School is truly a fully inclusive school and should be recognised. We are therefore proud to award them IQM Centre of Excellence status.