Validator report

26 February 2026

SWA-Colne Park High School-BB8 8DZ-26/Feb/2026

Areas for further development
Continue the process of ongoing review - both through all-staff surveys and specific assessments of particular initiatives - to ensure that support for staff wellbeing continues to meet changing needs. As discussed, continue to look at areas such as the scheduling of emails to ensure that provision is flexible and, as far as possible, effective for all staff.
Award term ref
Confirm the recommendation
1
Overall comments
The school has taken careful note of stakeholder feedback and, as a result, introduced a range of new and ammended provision aimed at improving the wellbeing of staff in all roles. It has continued to monitor the impact of these changes and to make additional developments as necessary.
School ref
Validator benchmark comments
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
The school has collected and acted on feedback from different groups of staff to reduce workload in key areas. They have made changes to, for example, how directed time is used, report writing, marking and lesson planning. Leaders have developed processes to ensure that the impact on staff workload is routinely considered when changes and developments are discussed.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
Leaders have taken care to monitor the introduction of workload initiatives – for example, the scheduling of emails – and to amend them in line with their impact on staff wellbeing. Following consultation, they have introduced measures to ensure that all staff – including both neurodivergent and neurotypical colleagues – feel able to seek support in ways that are appropriate to their needs. Changes to the behaviour support system have also resulted in staff feeling more supported and less vulnerable when dealing with challenging behaviour.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
The widening of opportunities to praise colleagues – as well as including staff successes in regular 'ambition assemblies' – has led to a significant increase in nominations.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
The introduction of Steplab coaching has seen the vast majority of staff actively engage with the platform, including giving regular shout outs to colleagues. New, wellbeing-focused appraisals have been well-received and have led to large numbers of staff undertaking and achieving NPQ and other qualifications.
Validator recommendation
I recommend that the school is accredited for this award
Validation confirm date
26/Feb/2026
Product attribute ref
Silver