Church School wins National Nurturing Schools Award
St John Baptist Church in Wales High School in Aberdare has been awarded the National Nurturing Schools Award in recognition of the exceptional care, support and guidance it provides for all of its pupils.
The National Nurturing Schools Award is evidence of a school’s ability to nurture and environment which effectively recognises and responds to the social, emotional and mental health needs of its pupils. The award encourages a holistic approach to young people, allowing them to develop as individuals as well as in terms of academic progress.
To qualify for the award schools must demonstrate approach that places pupils’ strengths and needs at the heart of practice, allowing them to flourish and be the best they can be.
Headteacher Dr Susan Mitchell said, “We are extremely proud of our achievement which represents how staff, pupils, parents, governors and all of our partners work together to enable our students to thrive.
St Johns has been recognised for putting nurture at the forefront of its wellbeing plan, ensuring that there is a golden thread of nurture, care and support running through all pupil support, with a clear vision and understanding that children need learn better in an environment where their wellbeing and security come first.”
Fr Matthew Gibbon, Chair of the Board of Governors said, “I’m delighted that the pastoral nature of St Johns has been recognised by this award.”
“It is an honour to serve as Chair for a school that so exemplifies biblical teachings about nurturing and supporting our young people, as we are told in St Paul’s Letter to the Colossians ‘Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.’
It is wonderful to see the compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience that is so much a part of the whole ethos of St Johns being recognised so publicly.”
Beccie Morteo, Education Lead for the Dioceses of Llandaff and Monmouth, said, “Congratulations to St Johns on achieving the National Nurturing schools award.
We know that the wellbeing of learners is prioritised by the whole school community and it’s wonderful to see this work recognised.
Well done to everyone involved!”