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Crocketts is a 2-form entry primary in the heart of Smethwick; an area of high deprivation. Attainment on entry is well below average and many children require social and emotional support from the start. The school takes pride in its inclusivity with over 28% of children having an identified special educational need and / or disability. Last November they were awarded the Arc Primary School Award and then in April this year awarded the Gold certificate for the ARC matrix. They are now looking forward to being an ARC Learning Hub school to continue to learn from and support others on the attachment journey.
As part of the inclusive ethos, all staff receive training in trauma-informed practice, ensuring they are well-equipped to manage and identify children with diverse needs. The behaviour regulation and relationships policy emphasises compassion and expertise in the interactions with children and parents. Notably, Crocketts has achieved a remarkable feat of not suspending a child in over 7 years and no child has been permanently excluded since this approach was started.
The positive reputation of the school is evident from the feedback of staff and visitors who praise the strong relationships and inclusive environment. The previous director of SEND for Sandwell visited the school and said, ‘Your school is a truly wonderful example of an inclusive place and practice where absolutely any child in your local community can thrive and achieve exceptionally well during their time spent at your school.’ He went on to say ‘It was such a pleasure to be able to speak with some children you were able to give me their own first-hand account of the impact of the school in transforming their lives and their ambitions as a result of the very carefully planned, nurturing, trauma informed, and relational approaches embedded across the school so that no child is left unloved or cared for.’
Low staff turnover and high levels of well-being further attest to this positive atmosphere. Above all, Crocketts is described as a joyful, caring place where children are always at the forefront of everything we do.
Child - adult relationships are trusting and children talk openly about having several people they can talk to in school, for many, school is the safe space where they can express their fear and anger, staff understand this and have developed empathetic practices around attachment and trauma.
Relationships between staff are positive, there is constant discussion about relationships and emotions. Staff strive to find the causes of a child’s behaviour and discuss ideas and approaches with each other in order to support the child. Emotion coaching is embedded in practice across the school and staff are confident that they can and do make a difference to the children they care for. Staff never give up on a child and work tirelessly to ensure both child and family are well supported. The family support worker runs workshops for parents to show them how to use emotion coaching at home. Many parents talk of the difference it has made to the way they parent their children.
Since implementing the attachment and trauma-aware approach things have gone from strength to strength, Crocketts has seen positive outcomes in both the academic and the well-being of children. Staff have a calmness and confidence around children who are struggling to regulate their emotions and are able to help them to regain control. The approach has complimented the inclusiveness of our school and we love it when visitors come to see how it all comes together!