Validator report

04 November 2025

SWA-Ryvers School-SL3 7TS-04/Nov/2025

Areas for further development
The school acknowledges that they need to maintain the work that they have started, so this will form the basis for wellbeing work in the future. They also recognise the ongoing ‘drip-feed’ work that needs to continue, as well as reminding all members of the staff team of the positive changes that have taken place over the years, so everyone can celebrate the considerable achievements of the school.
Award term ref
Confirm the recommendation
1
Overall comments
The school identified areas to improve and has worked consistently to ensure that they have been fulfilled. A succinct range of evidence was shown, with appropriate and relevant commentary, that demonstrated what the school had put in place over time. The impact of the measures taken is demonstrated clearly and concisely. Staff wellbeing has improved across the whole school community because of the simple and effective measures that have been put in place by the dedicated and enthusiastic team. Congratulations on all your efforts and for putting together such cohesive and well-considered evidence!
School ref
Validator benchmark comments
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
The school has worked hard to make changes to the expectations places on staff across the school calendar, and they have also reduced administrative tasks placed on staff, which has resulted in the majority of staff feeling that their workload is now more manageable. Regular check-ins with staff through robust staff voice mechanisms mean that staff feel heard when it comes to their workloads, and the changes made to ensure better management of workload feel valid.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
A number of 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 two senior mental health leads. The evidence provided is excellent and high quality, and shows the impact of the changes in a tangible way. Most staff now believe the current culture in school encourages open discussion about mental health, which promotes a more supportive staff community. The vast majority of staff feel supported by management and wellbeing continues to be spoken about regularly.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
The notable increase in staff numbers at school-based and social events is testament to the school's focus on creating a better working environment for staff. Feedback from staff members has shown that the changes made have been a welcome addition to their professional lives and they have been able to note the 'before' and 'after', knowing that the changes were being made to improve their environment - particularly the wellbeing room.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
There were numerous measures in place to show staff appreciation before embarking on the award process, but the introduction of more noticeable appreciation measures has had a definable and sustainable impact on staff wellbeing, ensuring that the majority of staff feel valued, seen and heard - and this is shown in the low staff turnover rate. The school has placed more emphasis on staff training recently, and this has meant that professional achievements are noted frequently.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
The introduction of the two-week half term in Autumn proved popular with the majority of staff members, who values the extra time they have to rest and recover; likewise, the school's policy on enabling flexible working arrangements has supported staff to manage their work/life balance more effectively. The senior leaders in school try to model achieving a better work/life balance too.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
The progression witnessed from when the school started their staff wellbeing journey to where they have got to now is palpable, 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, such as two new Senior Mental Health Leads who provide immediate support for staff. The reduction in the stigma of talking about mental health concerns has meant staff feel more able to share their worries without fear of judgement. Staff wellbeing continues to feature of the school development plan.
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. The availability of training and development opportunities has meant that staff now view their progression as important to school life. The school has renamed its performance management cycle as 'Professional Development' and this demonstrates the emphasis on professional development rather than performance-related targets.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
Increased autonomy and leadership have enabled staff to feel like they have a more prominent voice in school life, and this has created a better sense of empowerment. Staff are now enjoying a distributed leadership model, with its collective accountability and enhanced teamwork and trust. It is expected that this will continue and develop further, as the school realises how events of the past 5 years are still having an effect on the teaching profession.
Validator recommendation
I recommend that the school is accredited for this award
Validation confirm date
04/Nov/2025
Product attribute ref
Gold