Validator report
05 November 2025
PWA-GEMS Founders School - Dubai-PO Box 390498-05/Nov/2025
Areas for further development
The evidence submitted for the Award focused primarily on provision rather than its impact. Going forward, concentraing on examples of impact (including those suggested in the guidance) should enable the validator to identify more and greater levels of improvement resulting from the school's actions. With regard to its efforts to increase children's sense of belonging, the school may like to consider accessing these resources - https://neu.org.uk/advice/classroom/behaviour-schools/creating-sense-place-and-belonging-schools
Award term ref
Confirm the recommendation
1
Overall comments
Leaders are clearly thoughtful about and prioritise pupil wellbeing which is actively monitored. These records - as well as student voice - inform the level and frequency of provision.
School ref
Validator benchmark comments
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
The school regularly assesses students wellbeing via it’s own surveys, PASS and daily Upstrive check ins. Staff have noted a significant increase in engagement from students with these processes and higher numbers of self-referrals.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
Staff also use surveys to identify children who may be need additional support, for example around exam anxiety. In addition to a well-staffed pastoral team, the school provides a range of ‘calm spaces’ and counselling support, to which students are referred or can refer themselves. Numbers accessing these – and using the ‘SOS’ function on the Upstrive app to request support – have increased. Comparison of PASS surveys and other data shows significant numbers of students being removed from concerns lists after receiving support.
Comments on impact identified during validation
Regular student voice has helped to inform relevant curriculum provision and themed enrichment days.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
In response to student requests, the school has lengthened lunch time breaks which has, in turn, resulted in an increase in levels of physical activity at these times.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
There has been a significant increase in the numbers of pupils who are accessing support for both themselves and their peers.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
A large number of staff have been trained in mental health first aid. Leaders have consulted with staff around their confidence to support student wellbeing and this has informed training, including that of 44 mental health first aiders.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
Increasing diversity amongst the pastoral team has resulted in an increase in parents' confidence to report and discuss concerns regarding their children’s mental health.
Comments on impact identified during validation
The recruitment of student welfare leads as advocates for wellbeing in every secondary class has contributed to a significant increase in student engagement with Upstrive and other support. Student voice has informed provision including adaptations and additions to wellbeing activities.
Validator recommendation
I recommend that the school is accredited for this award
Validation confirm date
05/Nov/2025
Product attribute ref
Gold