PWA-Brigantia Learning Trust-S5 6AG-05/Nov/2024

Yewlands Academy’s commitment to fostering personal development and resilience has had a significant impact on all stakeholders.OFSTED has recognised the improvements in the PSHE curriculum, noting students' substantial progress in personal growth.Efforts in anti-bullying, respect, acceptance, and equality have reshaped the school culture and a re-education programme reinforces these values.The new whole-school vision has provided clear benchmarks for growth,guiding meaningful improvements.Updated signage within the school and revamped website resources now direct students and parents to local support services in Sheffield, enhancing accessibility to essential resources.

Yewlands Academy offers comprehensive support for students needing additional guidance, including nurture groups and specialised interventions. Targeted programmes help pupils develop self-regulation skills, fostering emotional resilience and independence. Over 40 extracurricular clubs are available to support wellbeing, offering diverse activities.Calm spaces throughout the school provide safe, quiet areas where students can decompress as needed, such as the NEST and the HIVE, contributing to a balanced and supportive environment.

Yewlands Academy integrates mindfulness and similar strategies directly into the curriculum.The creative arts are used as a key tool to support emotional health, allowing students to express and manage their feelings positively.The PSHE curriculum has been carefully reviewed to ensure comprehensive coverage of mental health and emotional wellbeing across all year groups.Additionally, students learn about the impact of social media on mental health,fostering awareness and resilience.The curriculum actively promotes equality, diversity, and a sense of belonging, with opportunities for students to voice concerns.

Yewlands Academy emphasises the importance of physical activity as a core part of every school day,incorporating activities such as boxing interventions to promote fitness and self-discipline.The curriculum educates students on the benefits of an active lifestyle,along with the importance of sleep and relaxation for overall wellbeing.There is extensive signposting and support for parents to enhance school readiness,helping families establish routines that support their children’s success.For students needing additional support, the academy offers streamlined timetables,therapy interventions & enrichment through provision that has had impact on behaviour and engagement of students.

Yewlands Academy has made significant strides in supporting student wellbeing through enhanced processes and resources.Improved procedures include mental health first aid-trained staff,dedicated safeguarding teams and accessible counselling opportunities, which have fostered a safer,more supportive environment.The school has integrated the Thrive approach and trauma-informed training,impact noted includes a compassionate response to students' needs. With clear signposting on the website and throughout the curriculum, the pastoral team plays a critical role, conducting regular wellbeing check-ins and offering essential support during times of crisis.

Yewlands Academy has introduced a clear criteria-based system where students earn points for following eight core principles. The behaviour policy promotes a culture of care, focusing on relationships and restorative practices. A comprehensive CPD programme provides trauma-informed training, mental health support, safeguarding, and behaviour management, enhancing staff skills in pastoral care and classroom inclusivity. New staff receive clear guidance on behaviour expectations and supportive team structures. The impact has been a more welcoming environment that promotes supportive staff interactions and strengthened teaching practices.

Yewlands Academy actively supports parents in understanding their children’s wellbeing needs. Regular bulletins share local statistics on online safety and grooming, keeping parents informed about relevant issues. Parents are also invited to access National College courses, with options such as a 30-minute session offered at parents' evenings. The school provides extensive signposting and a dedicated family liaison service, which works alongside a trauma-informed counsellor to support families directly. This has strengthened parent engagement, developed relationships and equipped parents with tools to better support their children.

Pupil champions play active roles in supporting school-wide efforts like anti-bullying week, remembrance events, and global issues. Pupil ambassadors are appointed, with future training planned for mental health ambassadors. A Sports Leadership Council is being developed in PE, and students are encouraged to join the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme. Students are also involved in reviewing wellbeing-related provisions and contributing to policy writing. Termly surveys that have gathered student feedback have been analysed to identify areas for improvement and student voice has shaped the school’s direction, increasing confidence, autonomy and leadership skills in students.