Validator report
10 March 2024
SWA-St Kevins College-BT92 0LA-10/Mar/2024
Areas for further development
Leaders are already looking at the possibility of using AI technology in other fields including lesson planning. They should evaluate its effectiveness in each of these areas and make adjustments accordingly. In addition, it is recommended that they conduct an all staff survey about the buddy system to ensure that it is as effective as possible for a broad range of staff. It might also be informative to further investigate (perhaps via a focus group) why staff rated particular initiatives highly and how these could be further enhanced. They should evaluate the impact of the wellbeing lead role on, for example, different staff groups to determine whether it could be even more effective.
Award term ref
Confirm the recommendation
1
Overall comments
The college has listened to staff concerns with regard to wellbeing and put appropriate provision in place. In particular, it is good to see them embracing innovation - such as the use of AI - providing appopriate training for staff in key roles, introducing a wellbeing space for staff and plans to further raise the profile of the wellbeing lead.
School ref
Validator benchmark comments
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
College leaders have listened to staff concerns via surveys and other means and worked hard to respond to them. Of particular note is their introduction of AI technology to aid report writing which has been positively received by staff and reduced workload. This has been accompanied by appropriate support and training. Leaders have also set aside dedicated time for activities such as exam marking to further aid staff in balancing workload demands.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
The college has developed its existing wellbeing policy to make it more specific and responsive to the particular needs of their staff. Changes include appointing a wellbeing lead and staff committee (see below), team building days (with the choice of activities informed by staff interests) and, in response to requests, introducing a buddy system. It has also established a wellbeing space outside the main school building where staff can talk and socialise with buddies or colleagues. Evidence of impact included positive testimonials about how the buddy system has been adapted to address the needs of classroom assistants - with dedicated time for them to meet – and how it supports new staff.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
Feedback from staff shows that they appreciate the various initiatives that have been put in place to acknowledge their commitment and hard work including staff shout outs, time off in lieu for putting in additional time to support extracurricular activities and randomly allocated half days off.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
The college has appointed a senior mental health lead, a staff wellbeing committee and lead governor, all of whom have received appropriate training. Feedback shows that, as well as providing colleagues with opportunities to raise concerns and signposting them to sources of both internal and external support, this has raised the profile of staff wellbeing across the college.
Validator recommendation
I recommend that the school is accredited for this award
Validation confirm date
10/Mar/2024
Product attribute ref
Silver