Validator report
08 November 2024
PWA-Dovedale Primary School-NG10 3HU-08/Nov/2024
Areas for further development
Targets for Dovedale Primary School include celebrating Children's Mental Health Week annually, linking it to a charity like Place2Be to engage staff and pupils in raising awareness through activities and dressing up. The school will also keep the website updated with current resources for parents, subscribing to charities like NSPCC and Young Minds for regular insights. Wellbeing will be promoted through half-termly assemblies, and the school is exploring a Peer Mediators programme to empower older pupils to support peers, inspired by positive outcomes from another trust school.
Award term ref
Confirm the recommendation
1
Overall comments
A comprehensive approach to promoting emotional wellbeing and mental health has had a significant positive impact on pupil attendance, engagement, and overall happiness. Through dedicated initiatives, such as mental health champions, anti-bullying ambassadors, and the integration of emotional health across the curriculum, pupils feel more supported and are better equipped with strategies for mental resilience. Physical health and its link to wellbeing are emphasised, contributing to an active, healthy school environment.Pupils feel safe, valued and motivated, reflected in improved engagement, consistent attendance, and a stronger sense of wellbeing across the school community.
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Validator benchmark comments
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
Dovedale Primary School prioritises a positive mindset towards mental health and wellbeing, embedding its significance within the school’s culture. This commitment is reflected in the REACH Values—Respect, Enjoy, Achieve, Challenge, Health—and in the Dovedale Verse: "Be healthy in my body and mind, to myself I will be kind," which pupils learn and recite. Children’s Mental Health Week with Place2Be was particularly impactful as pupils engaged in discussions, celebrated individuality, and embraced the importance of listening. This has had a positive impact on social and emotional wellbeing.
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Comments on impact identified during validation
Pupils who have completed targeted Thrive programmes at Dovedale Primary School have demonstrated clear progress. Individual review screenings reveal whether each child is ready for a reduction in Thrive support, compared to their initial baseline assessments. Leadership roles have been established throughout the school, notably with anti-bullying ambassadors who model positive behaviours, share best practices in assemblies, and have contributed to a decrease in bullying incidents.
Comments on impact identified during validation
Teachers and TAs at Dovedale Primary School are integrating more mindfulness activities into lessons, particularly during transition times such as after playtime and lunchtime. This approach has positively influenced pupils' learning behaviours, including those of SEND children. The school’s PSCHE curriculum now confidently covers mental health across all year groups and strands, ensuring comprehensive access to these vital lessons and outcomes. Project Evolve data indicates a significant positive impact on pupils' health, wellbeing, and lifestyle, with an 18.7% improvement towards objectives compared to baseline data.
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Comments on impact identified during validation
Targeted pupils who have participated in interventions and extracurricular activities at Dovedale Primary School have shown remarkable improvements in confidence and self-esteem. These experiences allow children to feel a strong sense of pride and enjoyment in accomplishing something beyond academic achievements. Hearing pupils express their excitement and pride in their accomplishments highlights the positive impact these activities have on their personal growth, encouraging a well-rounded sense of achievement and fostering a supportive school community.
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Comments on impact identified during validation
Pupils at Dovedale Primary School are engaging with a range of wellbeing displays, using resources like mindfulness colouring sheets and calming strategies. Worry boxes are available across year groups; younger and SEND pupils use a photo of themselves to indicate a concern, while others may draw or write their worries. These boxes are checked daily by teachers and TAs, who provide follow-up discussions and wellbeing support. Pupil feedback indicates they feel supported, understand the importance of mental health, and know where to access help. Additionally, pupils are confidently using wellbeing strategies and terminology, as reflected in their work.
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Comments on impact identified during validation
Key staff at Dovedale Primary School are actively enhancing their skills to confidently support pupils with diverse wellbeing needs. Thrive practitioners now lead family Thrive sessions, sharing valuable techniques with parents to extend support beyond the classroom. Midday supervisors have demonstrated greater understanding and patience when working with children experiencing mental health or self-regulation challenges. Additionally, HLTAs and teachers rotate to work with various pupil groups, ensuring consistent support and fostering a well-rounded approach to pupil wellbeing throughout the school day.
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Comments on impact identified during validation
Analysis of the Family Thrive questionnaire shows that all parents attending the six-week course found it beneficial, with many expressing greater confidence in supporting their children. Over this period, parents deepened their understanding of Thrive practices. The Family Liaison Officer has further strengthened family support, providing direct assistance to children both at home and in school, working 1:1 or in small groups. Strong relationships have developed, with parents increasingly reaching out proactively for guidance. The additional time allocation for family liaison has had a significant impact, empowering families to seek support when needed.
Comments on impact identified during validation
Dovedale Primary School now has pupil mental health ambassadors who actively promote and celebrate wellbeing across the school. These ambassadors take pride in their role, feeling a strong sense of responsibility, which has significantly raised the profile of wellbeing. This summer term, they established a 'calm corner' on the field beneath the trees, where they organise a rota to lead lunchtime activities such as yoga on mats, playing calming music, mindfulness colouring, and reading. This initiative has fostered a supportive atmosphere during break and lunch times, resulting in a noticeable reduction in playground behaviour issues.
Validator recommendation
I recommend that the school is accredited for this award
Validation confirm date
08/Nov/2024
Product attribute ref
Gold