Mrs Prosser, Head of School states that the Senior Leadership Team walks 1000s of steps a day. Why? For the sole purpose of fostering a culture of being present with their staff and the 1000+ young people of Whitmore High School in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan.
Mrs Prosser says that the school ethos ‘is all about how we treat our pupils; a smile, an encouragement and being delighted to be with them’. The teachers and teaching assistants are seen as the intervention. They model healthy relationships. They work hard together by a well led staff team. They are all viewed as a ‘trusted adult’ for the pupils. They talk to each other rather than use email. Each member of staff is valued.
The school works hard to pre-empt issues that might arise and put in detailed provision for pupils with extra needs. The pupil Equity Group scans for inclusivity. The Bakery Club gives their profits to charity. Life skills are taught. The schools is predictable and organised to provide safety for everyone. Surveys that pupils, staff, and parents answer are acted upon. ‘Pilot’ and ‘Daisy’, the school dogs, join in with everyone too!
‘As the designated Wellbeing Leader, the Whole School Approach to Emotional and Mental Wellbeing programme of work has helped me shape my thinking. It is not a tick box exercise for us. It is so much more than an action plan. We have wellbeing at the core of everything we do’.