Validator report
26 February 2025
PWA-Sharples Primary School-BL1 8RU-26/Feb/2025
Areas for further development
Further encourage pupils' active involvement by encouraging them to monitor their own wellbeing via sleep diaries, recording their participation in excercise, diet choices and the amount of time spent on phones and other devices. Revisit survey feedback with groups of children - for example their responses to the question "do you feel comfortable talking about your feelings…?" - to determine why some children aren't always comfortable to do this and how you could further boost confidence around sharing worries and concerns.
Award term ref
Confirm the recommendation
1
Overall comments
The wellbeing lead, SLT and staff at Sharples Primary clearly understand the importance of promoting pupil wellbeing and are committed to continuing to develop their excellent work in this area. They have formed strong and effective links with other organisations to support their efforts. Feedback shows positive impact across all areas of the Award framework which has been used effectively to audit the provision on offer and to stimulate further improvement.
School ref
Validator benchmark comments
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
The school offers a broad range of provision to support the wellbeing needs of all pupils and evaluates this effectively. Children undertake regular mindfulness activities and are supported to develop strategies to help them to self-regulate. Surveys show that children feel safe at school, know who to talk to if they need help and can identify a number of strategies to support their own wellbeing.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
Evidence included positive feedback from both pupils and staff about a range of strategies including sensory circuits and the availability of calm spaces throughout the school. Links with the local MHST, Nurture International etc have shown very positive outcomes - as evidenced by individual case studies and broader surveys - both in terms of pupil outcomes and staff confidence.
Comments on impact identified during validation
Work on wellbeing is integrated across the curriculum, with PSHE provision complemented by, for example, a strong awareness of the impact of areas such as creative arts and outdoor learning on children’s confidence and willingness to discuss feelings and share concerns. Most pupils are meeting the expected standards in PSHE and records from focus groups demonstrate their understanding of a range of issues. Parent surveys confirm that children feel safe and happy at school.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
Pupil voice shows that children know what helps them to ‘stay healthy’. Outdoor education is a strength, there are a number of sporting clubs available in addition to timetabled physical activity and teachers will often take children outside to support self-regulation.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
Pupil feedback is very positive in this area. 100% of those surveyed say that adults listen to their concerns, know who key wellbeing staff are and where they can go for support, including from the pupil wellbeing Warriors (see below).
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
Leaders recognised that some staff would appreciate more support around recognising wellbeing concerns and provided appropriate (e.g. nurture) training which has been positively received. The school employs digital profiling to improve its understanding of the needs of individual and groups of children and this process also identifies potential strategies that staff use to support them.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
The school had made efforts to engage with parents around wellbeing via a number of presentations and events. As a result, it has seen a very significant increase in parents coming forward to seek support and advice. Evidence submitted for this benchmark also included positive feedback regarding school-facilitated support for parents from the MHST.
Comments on impact identified during validation
Wellbeing warriors are ambitious and have plans to deliver an assembly in Children’s Mental Health Week. They enjoy their roles and have developed in confidence. Feedback shows that children gained knowledge from pupil-led events including an assembly on the five ways to wellbeing. Mindful Mentors lead breathing and other work in class. Feedback shows a positive impact on the wellbeing both of the children directly engaged in these roles and others across the school.
Validator recommendation
I recommend that the school is accredited for this award
Validation confirm date
26/Feb/2025
Product attribute ref
Gold