Why the school chose the award 

Ravenscote Junior School has long prioritised wellbeing as the foundation for learning, safety and success. The school pursued the Wellbeing Award for Schools to celebrate existing strengths and to ensure practice continued to evolve in line with the changing needs of pupils and families, particularly in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Award also provided a clear accountability framework, helping the school measure its impact, refine its strategy, and remain consistent in its commitment to nurturing pupils and staff alike. 

The journey 

The reassessment highlighted the school’s sustained and exceptional commitment to wellbeing, supported by a mini portfolio that was described as insightful, thorough, and clear. 

Although already operating at a high standard during the previous validation, Ravenscote has continued to build upon its strengths by: 

• Embedding a trauma-invested approach, recognising that all children have lived through collective trauma. 
• Re-centring play, outdoor learning and social connection as core components of the wellbeing offer. 
• Strengthening pastoral structures, including the expanded role of the Home–School Link Worker. 
• Developing psychologically safe working environments for staff, with changes to appraisal systems improving recognition, communication and emotional safety. 
• Introducing new evidence-informed practices based on stakeholder feedback and post-pandemic need. 

The school’s virtual tour, hosted on its website, gives families and the wider community a transparent view of the environment, showcasing the outdoor areas where much of the school’s wellbeing work now takes place. 

Key achievements 

1. A trauma-invested, evidence-led culture 

• Ravenscote has shifted from trauma-informed to trauma-invested practice, signaling its commitment to responding to the needs of all pupils. 
• Staff consistently demonstrate understanding of the wider social, emotional, and post-pandemic factors affecting children. 
• New wellbeing initiatives are introduced only when leaders can see a clear, positive impact on children. 

2. Embedding nurture throughout school life 

• Nurture is described as the most significant impact of the school’s wellbeing work and is now woven naturally into daily routines. 
• Staff are highly trained and proactive, ensuring that children regulate, feel safe, and re-engage positively in learning. 
• Year 5 pupil data collection enables early identification of need and personalised support. 

3. A highly skilled, supported and stable staff team 

• Staff wellbeing has “grown in understanding and practice”, supported by a reformed appraisal system and clearer recognition processes. 
• Governors champion staff wellbeing, acknowledging the emotional demands on the workforce. 
• Staff retention remains high, creating consistency, trust and stability for families. 

4. A community that feels like family 

• Parents describe the school as safe, nurturing and “like family”, particularly during times of personal difficulty. 
• Home–school relationships continue to strengthen, with families deeply appreciating the emotional and practical support provided. 
• Governors recognise the “hunger” staff have for continually improving wellbeing. 

5. Amplifying pupil voice 

• Pupils are proud of their school and share powerful examples of how they feel supported. 
• They know who to talk to, how to talk to them, and feel confident in using wellbeing systems. 
• Play, PSHE, outdoor learning and wellbeing activities are central to pupil experience and frequently adapted based on pupil suggestions. 

6. A robust wellbeing curriculum 

• PSHE is strong and continuously developed through further training and evaluation. 
• Work with Surrey Healthy Schools and Active Surrey has strengthened wellbeing provision further. 
• Pupils benefit from a curriculum that is inclusive, student-centered and responsive. 

Impact 

The reassessment found that wellbeing at Ravenscote is not something the school does — it is who they are. Key impact highlights include: 

• Nurture embedded across all practice, supporting emotional safety and resilience. 
• Highly trained staff who confidently embed wellbeing into daily routines and curriculum delivery. 
• Strong, trusting parent relationships, with families deeply valuing the school’s care and communication. 
• Transformation of outdoor spaces, enabling wellbeing-centred play and regulation. 
• Improved consistency and psychological safety for staff, enhancing morale and retention. 
• Children who feel safe, supported and proud of their school, demonstrating clear awareness of how wellbeing underpins learning and connection. 

The most significant outcome is the school’s ability to maintain and strengthen outstanding wellbeing practice over time, even during a period characterised by increased need, change and challenge. 

In their words 

“We are absolutely delighted to have been re-awarded the Wellbeing Award for Schools. Completing this process has been a significant and rewarding achievement for our whole school community. 

The report highlights so many successes, thanks to the dedication of staff, children, parents and governors. We are incredibly proud of the support we offer and the steps we are taking to extend this culture of wellbeing to our wider community.” 

Amy Wells, Headteacher, Ravenscote Junior School 

Next steps

Ravenscote intends to: 

• Further develop outdoor provision and equipment, in partnership with the PTA. 
• Continue tailoring wellbeing initiatives to meet evolving needs. 
• Sustain and extend trauma-invested practice across all aspects of school life. 

Conclusion 

Ravenscote Junior School provides a powerful example of how a long-term commitment to wellbeing can transform a community. By grounding its practice in nurture, trauma-invested approaches, and strong stakeholder voice, the school has created an environment where children feel safe, supported and empowered to thrive. 

Interested in achieving the same impact? 

The Wellbeing Award for Schools (WAS) helps schools build a whole-school culture where emotional wellbeing is prioritised, supported by strong systems, trained staff and a shared community vision. 

👉 Find out more about the award and how your school can begin its journey today: