Champion status for Croydon school

A whole-school project has led to the awarding of special status to a Croydon school after working closely with a charity provider focussing on safe and healthy relationships.

Staff at Chestnut Park Primary, a member of GLF Schools Multi Academy Trust, have received the official document announcing its new ‘Champion’ status.

The school has been working with charity Tender which devised RE:SET to provide relationships education for both primary and secondary schools. It works on a whole-school basis to deliver the programme which aims to prepare children for their futures. Tender is an arts charity which works with young people to prevent domestic abuse and sexual violence through creative projects.

“We know that a keystone for success is demonstrable commitment from senior leaders. The journey begins with creating the school's Project Delivery Team,” says the charity.

And the delivery team at Chestnut Park Primary was delighted to receive the award which highlights  the work members carried out in creating the status.

“The aim of RE:SET is to support pupils to learn safely, thrive as individuals and create future communities committed to respectful and equal relationships,” says the charity.

Students had their work professionally printed after using creative ways to promote safe relationships via poetry or artwork.

“We want adults to be reminded how much children absorb and notice, and how important it is to listen. Most of all, we want this campaign to act as a reminder that relationships of any kind should always feel safe and respectful,” said Suzie Jones, Assistant Head Teacher.

The Project Delivery Team was helped by a Tender mentor while working on the programme which culminated in the school being awarded the Champion status.

Among the key tasks was recruiting a minimum of two staff to join the team, upload the schools current relationship and sex education, host a number of successful meetings and create the plan.

“Receiving our Champion status was the culmination of a lot of work by the team and every member should be very proud of the contribution they have made to this new status for our school. The entire process was supported, promoted and resulted in positive discussions and new ways of thinking,” added Mrs Jones.

RE:SET also had to be introduced to all parents who were surveyed to establish attitudes towards relationship education. Bespoke training also needed creating as part of the project to result in a positive culture promoting healthy relationships and show commitment to violence prevention.