Validator report
01 November 2023
PRA-Wootton lower school-Mk43 9jt-01/Nov/2023
Areas for further development
Consider how you might adapt the 'target setting' approach for younger pupils - perhaps with the use of images. Staff could record the areas children have identified and give positive feedback whenever they see pupils exhibiting appropriate behaviours. Share resources such as the wellbeing maps with partner schools. Evaluate the impact of the awards system (for example through pupil voice activities, staff focus groups etc) on behaviour and attitudes to challenges. Consider extending the awards to teachers and ensure that children are aware of how everyone at school is recognised for behaviour that helps to support their own and others’ resilience.
Award term ref
Confirm the recommendation
1
Overall comments
The pupil wellbeing lead has devised a number of imaginative approaches to promoting resilience which have helped both pupils and staff to develop their understanding of strategies for adopting a positive approach to challenges. Given its commitment to promoting resilience, I would encourage the school to consider completing the remaining benchmarks and progress to the gold level of the award - remember to focus on providing evidence of impact (rather than provision) in the materials you upload.
School ref
Validator benchmark comments
Comments on impact identified during validation
The school promotes resilience via assemblies, displays and discussing aspirational figures as well as by offering a broad range of enrichment activities. Feedback from staff includes many examples of children demonstrating resilient behaviours and also confirms that they are more confident to encourage and challenge pupils. Children are rewarded for a trying a broad range of enrichment activities. Leuven scales demonstrate improvements in both wellbeing and engagement and discussions with pupils confirm their willingness to try more things and to move out of their comfort zone.
Comments on impact identified during validation
Staff have received guidance in the use of positive language and feedback from a survey with Y3 and 4 pupils confirms both their own understanding of the language of resilience and a broad understanding of strategies that can help them when trying something new or difficult.
Comments on impact identified during validation
Children set their own ‘targets’, including those related to emotional and social development. Their own end of year ‘reviews’ included in the evidence show how they are able to reflect on their achievements. Pupil feedback from the school’s wellbeing week shows an understanding of the links between resilience and wellbeing and mental health.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
Parents report finding tips on resilience provided by the school useful – for example, around supporting children to complete homework and reframing negative language. Staff say they are more confident to promote growth mindset. The rewards system focuses on effort, positivity and perseverance and has encouraged pupils to strive to meet their own goals.
Validator recommendation
I recommend that the school is accredited for this award
Validation confirm date
01/Nov/2023
Product attribute ref
Silver