At The Southwater Infant Academy we respect and value all children and are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all our pupils, so they can learn in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. We believe every pupil should be able to participate in all academy activities in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from harm. This is the responsibility of every adult employed by, or invited to deliver services at the academy. We recognise our responsibility to safeguard all who access the academy and promote the welfare of our pupils by protecting them from physical, sexual or emotional abuse, neglect and bullying.

As part of our wider safeguarding policy, prioritising the wellbeing of our pupils and staff is paramount. We offer a wide range of support for both pupils and staff including internal and external offers. We have a strong team of teaching and support staff, as well as numerous links to external support, who are available to help pupils and families with any issues they may be facing.

Please contact your child's class teacher in the first instance or their Year Group Leader, if you require any help or advice regarding pupil wellbeing.  Alternatively, you may wish to contact the office for advice about the best person to speak to.

School of the Year for Staff Wellbeing!

We are immensely proud to have been awarded the title ‘School of the Year for Staff Wellbeing’ and are also super proud of Mrs Smith for her nomination 'Teaching Assistant of the Year' at the TES Schools Awards, one of the biggest nights in the UK education calendar! 

The awards, now in their 15th year, celebrate the commitment, quality and innovation shown by teachers and support staff across the UK.

 

Wellbeing and mental health policies are no longer separate, with the needs of staff and children linked. It’s a strategy driven by the belief that pupils cannot be nurtured without similar levels of support being offered to staff.

Children, their families and staff are all entitled to support from a Family Link worker, and there is an emphasis on the need to support staff so that they can give their best for the children.

Initiatives include an annual day out of school for staff to practice new or existing hobbies and a termly staff meeting dedicated to wellbeing and training so that staff can spot the signs of mental health in children and adults.

 

The judges were impressed by the infants innovative approach to wellbeing and particularly how they manage to link the mental health and wellbeing of both staff and pupils in one unified approach.  

TES Judge Sinéad McBrearty said: “They’re doing a really good job of making the link between pupil wellbeing and staff wellbeing and evidencing how this impacts pupil outcomes. Pupil suspensions are down, attendance is up and the end-to-end job they’re doing is formidable.”

Southwater Infant Academy head Christine Cavallo said: “This award recognises all the amazing work that goes on at the school. Supporting each other is a common thread woven through the fabric of our school.”

View all the TES Award winners here.