St Peter’s becomes Centre of Excellence

June 25, 2026

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St Peter’s Church of England Primary School is a warm and accepting school which takes an open and reflective approach to inclusion. It benefits from robust and well-developed safeguarding and wellbeing programmes and has developed a strong and united school culture and community. The school operates to ensure that every child feels safe and supported regardless of socioeconomic status or SEND needs. Inclusion is integral to the school’s curriculum and approach to teaching and learning.

The school’s approach to inclusion is underpinned by a coherent policy framework. The Behaviour, Safeguarding and SEND policies are reflected in the daily life of the school. Approaches are consistent across the school and there is an informed, graduated and needs-led approach to support which emphasises emotional wellbeing. Inclusion is deeply embedded at a systemic level, rather than being reliant on individual contexts or staff.

Inclusion at its heart

Inclusion is deeply rooted in the school’s identity as a Christian faith school. The school has an ethos of love, respect, trust, truthfulness and forgiveness. St Peter’s works hard to ensure that these values are not abstract concepts but are real and concrete to staff and pupils, connected to routines, expectations and relationships across the school. Pupils at the school can clearly articulate the school values and stress how at St Peter’s, “everyone helps each other,” and adults always respond quickly and very kindly when someone is upset, struggling, or needs support. Difference is accepted, and receiving additional support is normalised.

Pupils understand needing time, space and help to regulate emotions, and this is not only acceptable but encouraged. Break cards, regulation spaces and Makaton signs enable pupils to communicate their needs without stigma. Visuals and routines are kept consistent for everyone from early years and aids such as visual timetables and organised classrooms help everyone feel settled and secure. Older pupils are given increasing responsibility via classroom roles, being monitors and leadership opportunities. Pupils say they feel trusted and involved.

Strong and sustained leadership

Leaders at St Peter’s Church of England Primary are consistently and enduringly committed to inclusion. Staff wellbeing is a priority, with regular wellbeing group meetings and seasonal wellbeing initiatives. Work-life balance and staff family commitments are valued. Responsibilities are understood by all staff and policy documents are used as working documents to guide and help, rather than as compliance tools. SEMH provision is strategically and effectively led, with a specialist practitioner working in the school from the Pine Room, supporting those with anxiety, depression, anger and emotional dysregulation.

Learning for inclusion

The curriculum is broad and balanced. Pupils have access to a wide range of subjects and experiences. Curriculum access is made to meet individual needs without lowering expectations for anyone. Small group teaching helps with access to learning, and communication education is prioritised and well delivered. Forest School allows pupils to access activities such as campfire cooking, teamwork challenges, zip lines, mud slides and outdoor exploration, and other enrichment opportunities include clubs, trips, and creative projects. These support confidence, resilience and social development.

Kindness and Caring

Behaviour across the school is consistently calm and positive. Pupils and staff have created a culture of kindness, respect, and helping others. The school takes a restorative approach which prioritises understanding over sanction. Pupils and parents commend the school’s behaviour management as calm, consistent and fair. Pupils are supported to reflect on behaviour, understand the impact and repair relationships with others. Emotional regulation and inclusion are viewed as key and indispensable parts of learning.

St Peter’s C of E Primary School is a champion of inclusion, and we are proud to award Centre of Excellence status.