Burnley primary strikes 'gold' as one of only five schools in UK to receive special award

St Augustine’s RC Primary has been presented with the gold level Attachment and Trauma Sensitive Schools' Award (ATSSA).

It’s a huge honour for the Lowerhouse school especially as the other four schools are all specialist provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

St Augustine's has previously been awarded the bronze and silver level and staff have spent three years working towards gold. To achieve the honour they had a virtual visit from Dr Jennifer Nock who had high praise for the school.

Dr Nock said: “I should like to warmly congratulate the St Augustine’s staff on achieving the award which is an external sign of recognition of your commitment to the steps you have taken to develop a culture of compassion and nurture, and to become a truly attachment- and trauma-responsive setting.”

Dr Nock praised the ‘inspirational, strong, and visionary leadership' of the headteacher and the senior leadership team.

To gain gold status staff at St Augustine’s had to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to becoming an ATSSA school. They are now a beacon of best practice, supporting others and have had other schools visit them, including one from London.

They continue to provide ongoing training and development for staff and have ensured the work environment for staff is attachment and trauma sensitive including communication, interviews, induction and more.

Headteacher Sinead Colbeck said: "In light of the current situation, with schools unable to fully reopen, the work we have been doing over recent years has never been more important.

“It has prepared us really well for welcoming the children with their range of lockdown experiences back into school where their emotional wellbeing and mental health will remain a priority for us all."