Validator report
23 May 2024
SWA-Hill Top School-NE10 8LT-23/May/2024
Areas for further development
To continue to embed the strategies that have been implemented.
To continue to review staff work-life balance and integrate impactful opportunities to manage this.
To continue to review staff work-life balance and integrate impactful opportunities to manage this.
Award term ref
Confirm the recommendation
1
Overall comments
Future plans at Hill Top School aim to engage staff in various activities that benefit their wellbeing. The programme and award have added structure, providing clear targets to work towards. This approach ensures ongoing commitment to enhancing staff wellbeing and maintaining a positive work environment.
School ref
Validator benchmark comments
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
Hill Top School has prioritised staff wellbeing, engaging senior leaders in this initiative. The school offers wellbeing packages, including counselling and physiotherapy. Weekly meetings are held to check in on staff wellbeing, supported by occupational health services. Additionally, the senior leaders issue a weekly bulletin featuring a dedicated well-being section. This comprehensive approach ensures staff feel supported and valued, fostering a positive work environment at Hill Top School.
Comments on impact identified during validation
Hill Top School focuses on creating a positive and healthy working environment. They organise mindful activities and staff sports events. The staffroom has been rearranged to ensure it provides a relaxing and social space. A staff suggestion box allows for anonymous tips, and a recent staff survey was completed and analysed by senior leaders. These efforts aim to promote staff wellbeing and foster a supportive, engaging workplace.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
Hill Top School actively shows staff appreciation. They have a staff shout-out board for recognising good practice and wellbeing efforts. Policies and wellbeing packages are included, and staff receive certificates in assemblies based on nominations. At the end of each half-term, a gesture of appreciation is shared with staff. Personalised wellbeing postcards are also given to staff. These initiatives demonstrate the school's commitment to recognising and valuing the hard work and contributions of the staff body.
Comments on impact identified during validation
Hill Top School supports staff in achieving a healthy work-life balance. Allocating time in the school calendar has been successful, with staff having autonomy over their CPD targets. The staffroom is now a protected space for downtime. Flexible opportunities include amending staff contracts to provide flexible working arrangements. These initiatives reflect the school's commitment to fostering a supportive environment where staff can balance professional responsibilities with personal well-being.
Validator recommendation
I recommend that the school is accredited for this award
Validation confirm date
23/May/2024
Product attribute ref
Silver