Walhampton is delighted to have achieved accreditation for the Human Kind Staff Wellbeing Award, a nationally recognised framework that supports schools and organisations to prioritise and embed staff wellbeing at every level.
This award reflects our commitment to creating a culture where all staff feel supported, valued and able to thrive. Over the past year, we have worked through the Human Kind framework, using it as a springboard to develop and embed sustainable changes that make a genuine difference to daily life at Walhampton.
Initiatives introduced so far include a redrafted Staff Wellbeing Policy, now embedded across our staff handbook and policy framework, a co-developed Email and Meeting Charter to promote healthier working practices, and the appointment of Wellbeing Champions to support and empower colleagues. Wellbeing is now a standing item in staff meetings and Governor updates, reinforcing our whole-school approach.
Our Strategy Team and Governors have played an active role throughout, modelling positive behaviours and acting as a focus group for new ideas. Through open conversations, shared ownership and small but meaningful changes such as our “gift of time” approach to meetings and a daily reflective wellbeing message on the staff sign-in app, we are building a culture where wellbeing is part of who we are, not just what we do.
We have also worked to create more opportunities for informal connection and support across the school. Puzzles placed in the staffroom have sparked the creation of a self-named “Puzzle Club,” bringing together colleagues from across maintenance, learning support and teaching to chat and connect during breaks. Our half-termly Cuppa and Connect gatherings have been another simple but successful way of bringing people together, strengthening relationships and fostering a stronger sense of community.
Staff give so much to the children in their care, and by focusing on wellbeing, we are supporting our team to be their best each day, for themselves, for each other and for our school community.
"This award recognises the incredible commitment across the school to prioritise staff wellbeing," said Sarah Fisher, HR & Compliance Manager. "It’s been a whole-school effort and we’re proud of how far we’ve come, but also excited about what’s still to come as we continue on this journey."