Pupil Wellbeing Award

Acronym
PWA
Description
Support and improve physical, emotional and mental health for all pupils
Image
Pupil Wellbeing Award logo
Framework
Video title
Why choose the Pupil Wellbeing Award
Promotional video ID
669872201
App description

Steps to achieving an award

 

App video ID
706063031
Sub description
Next validation date
June 2025
Benefits of award title
Rule. Him give heaven spirit hath tree and multiply can't air great life from. Good years gathering fish image morning.
Benefits of award description
Isn't face Kind abundantly likeness from fowl gathered. Whose female so.

Rule. Him give heaven spirit hath tree and multiply can't air great life from. Good years gathering fish image morning.
Information on the benefits of the award
Title
Rule. Him give heaven spirit hath tree and multiply can't air great life from. Good years gathering fish image morning.
Description
Rule. Him give heaven spirit hath tree and multiply can't air great life from. Good years gathering fish image morning.
Image
Rule. Him give heaven spirit hath tree and multiply can't air great life from. Good years gathering fish image morning.

Validator report

28 February 2025

PWA-East Park School-G20 9TD-28/Feb/2025

Areas for further development
Continue with the excellent work you are already doing, alongside plans to develop the outdoor area of your work (and perhaps extending the food growing calendar!).
Award term ref
Confirm the recommendation
1
Overall comments
The portfolio of evidence shows the school's intent to improve pupils' health and wellbeing across the whole school and into the future in a way that suits them best. The school's efforts in this important area have meant that all pupils benefit from all the consistent and well-evidenced work that has transpired since starting the award process. The dedication from staff has ensured that pupil wellbeing has a high profile across the school and is linked closely with other areas of school life. This is a
really good example of how to focus on a well-rounded approach to pupil wellbeing where meeting individual needs is paramount. Congratulations!
School ref
Validator benchmark comments
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
It is very clear that the school has implemented numerous meaningful opportunities in which the whole-school community can participate and the reports reflect that pupils find value in these opportunities, as well as that their awareness has been raised. As the school has noted, it is difficult to measure the impact using data in the most traditional sense but the pupils communicate through their behaviour and this has a noticeable impact on staff too. The routine weekly wellbeing activities have changed the school's attitude to health and wellbeing. All pupils have been able to participate in something new recently.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
Feedback from staff shows that the various strategies and support measures put in place have had a positive effect on pupil emotional wellbeing and mental health. Pupils are learning how to manage and regulate themselves more effectively in a way that is appropropriate for them. The staff acknowledge that their efforts will take time, owing to the nature of the pupils' needs.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
The school's emotional literacy programme enables pupils to understand and predict their behaviour more reliably; equally, it empowers staff to understand pupil behaviour and responses in a way that works well for the school. There are numerous opportunities for pupils to focus on their emotional health and wellbeing in school - including the very popular and meaningful outdoor learning programme, and the expressive arts offer.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
The school recognises the significant challenges that they face with their cohort of pupils so the stronger emphasis on wellbeing across the whole school continues to be a work-in-progress. The small 'nudges' that the school is able to do to support pupils is an important feature of seeing the 'long game' of wellbeing.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
Owing to the nature of the pupil cohort, there is already a very high level of personalised support available to every pupil, and this is utilised daily. The school works hard to ensure new staff members appreciate this.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
Increasing the training provision for staff has meant that they now feel more confident and competent to support pupils in ways that suit the pupils. The introduction of sleep training for residential staff benefits pupils and their families too. The school has plans to ensure this continues over time.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
Parents are supported with all aspects of their children's development and time at school - and as pupils come to the school from all over Scotland, this presents its own difficulties. However, the school has demonstrated how this is overcome and continues to work hard in this area to meet everyone's needs.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
Ensuring that pupils have meaningful opportunities to participate in wellbeing activities has been the focus of the school, with some leadership roles offered where appropriate.
Validator recommendation
I recommend that the school is accredited for this award
Validation confirm date
28/Feb/2025
Product attribute ref
Gold

Validator report

28 February 2025

PWA-The Granville School-TN13 3LJ-28/Feb/2025

Areas for further development
The school plans to maintain the great strides that they have taken since the pandemic to focus on wellbeing more holistically and to thread it through every other part of school life.
Award term ref
Confirm the recommendation
1
Overall comments
An comprehensive portfolio of inspiring evidence that supports the school's intent to improve children's health and wellbeing across the whole school and into the future. The wellbeing lead and DH are thorough and thoughtful in their approach, which has meant that the school community in its entirety has benefitted from all the consistent work that has transpired since starting the award process. Congratulations on your dedication to wellbeing!
School ref
Validator benchmark comments
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
It is very clear that the school has implemented numerous meaningful opportunities in which the whole-school community can participate and the reports reflect that pupils find value in these opportunities, as well as that their awareness has been raised. All pupils are aware of the importance of physical and mental health and the link between the two. Encouraging pupil suggestions and inviting them to run wellbeing activities themselves, the school has raised the profile of the importance of good physical and mental health.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
Pupil feedback and feedback from teachers about pupils have shown that the various strategies and support measures put in place have had a genuinely positive effect on emotional wellbeing and mental health, particularly of
the more vulnerable children. The use of surveys as evidence is meaningful and demonstrates impact well. Better attendance at school, reduction in anxiety for some children and more positive relationships with parents have all been noted as a result of the school's effort.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
A thorough explanation about the PSHE curriculum and the impact of this on pupils' EHWB shows the depth of understanding about the importance of PSHE on children's development of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values; the PSHE lead's evidence and dedication were excellent.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
The PSHE curriculum that the school uses has been planned thoroughly and mindfully to ensure that children have ample opportunities to learn about the relationship between physical health and wellbeing. This works well alongside the emotional learning curriculum. Various events and initiatives have supported the curriculum-led messages too. The evidence is clear and concise.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
The school has kept this clear and simple, so that children can explain how and where they access support. There has been a marked rise in the number of children feeling empowered to share their worries with their teachers. The evidence mirrors this simplicity and effectiveness.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
Increasing the training provision for staff has meant that they now feel more confident and competent to support children. Staff feel more confident as very practical support has been provided to enable then to help pupils with aspects like friendship issues. The school has plans to ensure this continues.
over time
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
There is already a wealth of opportunities available to parents provided by the school and the impact of this is that they feel more competent in responding to their children's need in the moment and longer term.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
The school began this work from a strong starting point and they have continued to develop it (and will develop it further in the future). Feedback from the whole school community shows how much this work is already have an effect, and how it will continue to do so over time.
Validator recommendation
I recommend that the school is accredited for this award
Validation confirm date
28/Feb/2025
Product attribute ref
Gold

Statement

27 February 2025

Avenue Primary Academy(PWA): Benchmark 2

Statement

26 February 2025

Avenue Primary Academy(PWA): Benchmark 3

Statement

26 February 2025

Avenue Primary Academy(PWA): Benchmark 7

Validator report

26 February 2025

PWA-St Cecilias RC High School-PR3 2XA-26/Feb/2025

Areas for further development
Next steps include refining support based on the school context and external networks, staying proactive in safeguarding trends, and ensuring training remains both preventative and responsive. The school will continue developing PSHE, embedding holistic life skills into the curriculum. Further expansion of ambassador roles and responsibilities will strengthen student leadership and wellbeing initiatives, ensuring a comprehensive and sustainable approach to support across the school.
Award term ref
Confirm the recommendation
1
Overall comments
The award has highlighted key areas for development, providing clear intentions that encourage reflection and new initiatives. It has been a valuable tool for auditing existing practices and identifying opportunities for improvement. Given the broad scope of wellbeing, the process has helped focus efforts effectively, ensuring meaningful and impactful changes that enhance support for both staff and students across the school.
School ref
Validator benchmark comments
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
St Cecilia’s High School has strengthened its approach to wellbeing through a clear vision statement and the formation of a wellbeing group. This has led to impactful campaigns promoting awareness and reducing stigma around mental health. The wellbeing ambassadors, trained externally, have played a key role in driving initiatives, supporting peers, and shaping a culture where mental and physical health are prioritised both in and out of school.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
The nurture provision at St Cecilia’s High School has had a significant impact, offering small-group support with additional adults in the classroom. Targeted mental health workshops and one-to-one interventions with Compass Bloom have enhanced emotional wellbeing. Sensory circuits and morning sessions help students self-regulate. Student feedback indicates they feel informed and empowered about mental health, communicating more openly and confidently as a result.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
St Cecilia’s High School promotes emotional health and wellbeing across the curriculum through mindfulness, creative arts, and an adapted PSHE scheme. Weekly mindfulness sessions and assemblies help students feel calm and prepared for the day. The creative arts club supports self-expression and engagement, with events like a neurodiversity competition raising awareness. The PSHE curriculum now includes key wellbeing dates, embedding emotional health discussions throughout the year.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
St Cecilia’s High School promotes physical health and wellbeing through student-led initiatives, extracurricular clubs, and curriculum integration. The student council successfully advocated for healthier canteen options. The cycle-to-school challenge has led to a long-term increase in students cycling. Staff and students engaged in the event, achieving top rankings in Lancashire. Sleep hygiene sessions have improved student awareness of rest, and themed clubs further support physical health across the school.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
Students at St Cecilia’s High School feel safe and supported, with clear pathways to seek help. They can access external services like Kooth and Compass Bloom or speak to trained mental health ambassadors. Anti-bullying ambassadors provide peer support, ensuring students know who to turn to. Anti-Bullying Week has raised awareness of 'bullying versus banter', encouraging students to reflect on their actions and seek help when needed.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
St Cecilia’s High School prioritises CPD and staff development through training opportunities for all staff. Senior mental health lead sessions provide best practices and external insights, while CPD has improved staff confidence in supporting student wellbeing. A structured referral system ensures staff can utilise colleagues' expertise and refer students for further support. Key resources and procedures are easily accessible on all school computers and outlined in the staff handbook.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
St Cecilia’s High School has strengthened support for parents through regular communication and increased transparency. The revamped mental health and wellbeing website provides accessible resources for students and families. Parents receive updates on key events and topics covered in school, fostering engagement. Pastoral staff training in EHA/TAF meetings has expanded capacity to support vulnerable students, improving relationships between school and home to ensure better overall wellbeing support.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
Student leadership at St Cecilia’s High School has empowered pupils, boosting confidence and engagement. Ambassador groups have led wellbeing initiatives and assemblies, while student council meetings now prioritise mental health. Pupil feedback is actively considered, fostering a sense of ownership. Celebration assemblies and rewards trips recognise achievements, reinforcing positive behaviour. These initiatives have strengthened student voice, leadership skills, and overall wellbeing 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

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.
Benchmarks ref
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.
Benchmarks ref
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

Statement

11 February 2025

Avenue Primary Academy(PWA): Benchmark 6

Statement

10 February 2025

Whitehall Primary School(PWA): Benchmark 8

Statement

10 February 2025

Whitehall Primary School(PWA): Benchmark 7

Subscribe to Pupil Wellbeing Award