Newton International Academy - Smash
Impact statement:
The evidence provided by Newton International Academy reflects the school's robust commitment to emotional wellbeing and mental health. The school showcased the implementation of strategies such as Komodo for regular wellbeing check-ins, worry boxes, and character education lessons that create safe spaces and teach students coping strategies. Evidence of this includes classroom-based interventions like sensory and reflective rooms and zones of regulation. These efforts have demonstrated proactive support systems that students now utilise, which are also tailored to diverse needs.
Action plans derived from the stakeholder surveys have been impactful. Surveys and subsequent analyses reveal significant improvements in students' ability to articulate emotions and access support when needed, which have been substantiated by survey data comparisons. Moreover, staff wellbeing initiatives, such as suggestion boxes and a dedicated wellbeing room, illustrate a comprehensive effort to support and engage all stakeholders in creating a healthy school community that values relationships, care and nurture.
Newton International Academy has developed strong partnerships with a range of external agencies, which have significantly enhanced the school’s wellbeing efforts and provision for students, staff, and parents. Collaborations with organisations such as AMAN provide specialised support through school counsellors, enabling targeted intervention for students in need. This has resulted in enhanced referral processes and additional support services.
Key partnerships have provided staff with access to expert resources and additional training, equipping them with strategies to better support students and colleagues. Using TeachMateAI has also helped staff actively reduce their workload and planning time.
Parents have benefited from workshops and forums, such as the EYFS forum, which enhances their understanding of wellbeing practices and enables them to implement supportive strategies at home.
The nature of and implementations of these external collaborations and resources has collectively created a comprehensive network of support for the school community, promoting a culture of shared responsibility and positive mental health outcomes.
Headteacher comments:
'Achieving the Wellbeing Award for Schools has been a transformative experience for Newton International Academy, Barwa City. The process not only helped us identify areas of growth but also empowered us to make meaningful changes that created a more inclusive, supportive, and resilient school environment. This journey has had a profound impact - students feel more confident and supported, staff are more motivated and valued, and parents feel deeply engaged in our community. It has brought an improved feeling of belonging into the heart of our culture, and I wholeheartedly recommend this accreditation to any school committed to making emotional wellbeing a priority.'