Validator report

07 November 2024

SWA-Cambridge House Grammar School-BT42 2EH-07/Nov/2024

Areas for further development
The school might like to investigate ways to encourage staff to recognise intrinsic reward systems for themselves and to celebrate those in line with extrinsic rewards.
Award term ref
Confirm the recommendation
1
Overall comments
An exemplary portfolio of robust evidence from a school that takes staff wellbeing seriously. The comparable data that has been provided offers real insight into the staff experience at the school. There is full acknowledgement that, while the majority of staff members appreciate the changes that have been made, not everyone recognises the efforts made as beneficial or relevant - and the SLT is aware that changes may take more time and effort to embed. Notwithstanding this, the school has followed the SIA process exceptionally well and this has meant that the evidence of impact is clear and meaningful. Well done! It was a pleasure to read and hear about all that the school has done.
School ref
Validator benchmark comments
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
Robust and meaningful changes to expectations places on staff across the school calendar, as well as a reduction in administrative functions, have resulted in the majority of staff feeling that their workload is now more manageable.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
Numerous changes have taken place since the school embarked on the staff wellbeing award in order to ensure a change in focus, including the appointment of a Wellbeing lead. The evidence provided is clear and shows the impact of the changes in a helpful and authentic way. Most staff now believe the current culture in school encourages open discussion about mental health, which promotes a more supportive staff community.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
Feedback from many staff members has shown that the changes made have been a welcome addition to school life - and the robust data set supports this. There are plans in place to continue to make improvements in this area in the future, funds allowing.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
While there was already some measures in place, the introduction of more visible appreciation measures has had a more definable and sustainable impact on staff wellbeing, ensuring that the majority of staff feel valued, seen and heard. Many staff members have expressed how much they appreciate the efforts made by SLT in particular.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
Training and development was identified as a way to support staff in this area, and the school provided various courses as a result. The reduction of mass emails has also helped to assure staff that a better work-life balance is achievable and is supported by SLT.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
There has been a clear progression from when the school started their staff wellbeing journey to where they have got to now, and they have acknowledged how the award has offered structure to the process. Staff members feel reassured about the presence of the new measures in place, particularly the mental health lead. A new board of governors will include a dedicated Wellbeing lead.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
A range of training opportunities is available for all staff to make use of as they see fit, and this has proved a marked change since the pandemic, where staff were concerned more with maintaining the day-to-day tasks of school life than their development. The availability of training and development opportunities has meant that staff now view their progression as important to school life.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
An increased sense of autonomy has enabled staff to feel like they have more of a voice in school life, and this has created a better sense of empowerment. Staff are now taking on more responsibility within their own departments, and with encouragement from SLT, it is expected that this will continue and develop further.
Validator recommendation
I recommend that the school is accredited for this award
Validation confirm date
07/Nov/2024
Product attribute ref
Gold