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Agenda item

Case studies of good practice in Schools

Minutes:

Steve Ford had provided members in advance of the meeting with case studies of good practice from St Andrews CE Junior School, Hadfield and Baslow St Anne’s CE Primary.

 

As a Church of England school, the Christian ethos at St Andrews was at the centre of everything they did. Jesus recognised that true healing was not just about the physical, but the inner person; time and again he addressed that inner aspect of people’s lives.  Recognising this, the school sought to develop the inner-self alongside teaching and learning with a focus on moral integrity and the development of courageous advocacy. They realised that a strong, resilient self-image is key to good learning, so focusing on mental health was just as important as effective teaching. The School wanted the children to become self-aware, problem solvers who were resilient and able to resolve conflict effectively.

 

At the centre of the schools mental health provision lies MACAWS (Motivating All Children to Achieve With Support)[i]. It is the schools main priority to help all children to achieve the best they can, both academically and personally. However, it was understood that sometimes life doesn't always go to plan and that children may need a little extra support to ensure both mental and emotional well-being whilst they are in our care.

 

MACAWS did this in a number of ways including a special sensory quiet area where children can go if they need time alone, a MACAWS room where lead staff can help children with their issues, and Mental Health Champions – year 5 and 6 pupils who provide a mentoring and support role within the school. The school also runs Relax Kids sessions to help children regulate their emotions and learn self-soothing techniques. MACAWS is fully integrated with their SEND provision and was there to support all children who might need it.

 

The Headteacher from Baslow St Anne’s Primary School, working alongside the Diocese of Derby had been given the opportunity to work out in Kolkata with 39 teachers and students from Derby University. 

 

She described the highlight as being based in a school where, although a very early start, the children came in so keen to learn and be at school. Working alongside the committed teachers and finding ways to further improve classroom life and learning for these children, who sat on hard wooden floors with a simple blackboard and piece of chalk. This was a real learning curve for the children at Baslow, where they could see the difference in their school lives and the way they learned and the privileges they have. This instigated the School Council to organise raising funds to enhance provisions for our link school and children in Kolkata.

 

The Headteacher felt privileged to have had the experience and the importance for the school to keep this link with Mahamaya School strong and as a prominent part of their curriculum, global awareness, alongside courageous advocacy, and fundraising

 

Members commented on the excellent case studies provided and Steve Ford informed those present that these would form part of a report to be sent to the DFE outlining the ongoing positive work with regards to RE that was going on in Derbyshire & Derby City.

 

RESOLVED to note the case studies showing good practice.



 

 

Supporting documents: