Herefordshire Virtual School for looked after children

The aims of ARC

The aim of ARC accreditation in Herefordshire is to formally recognise the work our schools are doing to build positive relationships, improve behaviour, increase attendance and support emotional wellbeing using a trauma-informed and attachment-aware (TIAA) approach.

Research suggests that a relationship-based approach benefits all children and young people in schools, particularly those who are the most vulnerable.

Format

The ARC certification model is based on a bronze, silver, gold and platinum/learning hub levelling system.
More information on the ARC pathway.

Principles

• A relationship-based approach benefits all pupils, including the most vulnerable
• Educational settings make a commitment to a long-term process of development
• Evidence-based approaches that utilise ongoing data collection and monitoring are the most effective in creating and sustaining change
• The physical environment impacts on learning, wellbeing and behaviour and consideration should be given to how the surroundings may influence social interactions both positively and negatively
• Involvement of all stakeholders improves engagement with any change and development
• Tailored interventions are used to ensure inclusion within the setting for children and young people who have attachment needs or who have had experiences of trauma
• Initial plans reference core principles of:
  • Behaviour as communication
  • Relationship-based practice
  • Prioritisation of connection, empathy and emotional wellbeing
• Every interaction and moment is viewed as an opportunity for intervention

The offer

All state-funded schools in Herefordshire are eligible for funded membership of the Attachment Research Community (ARC) via Herefordshire Virtual School and to receive support from the Virtual School Head Teacher and Virtual School Senior Educational Psychologist to progress along the ARC pathway to becoming an attachment aware and trauma-informed school.

To gain bronze accreditation schools need to complete three tasks:

• All ARC schools are asked to complete the ARC Audit which is available on the ARC website. Schools complete this as a marker of their progress towards becoming trauma-informed and attachment-aware schools with a focus on relational practice
• Three hours of whole-school staff training on trauma and attachment, focusing on relational approaches to learning, wellbeing and behaviour. All school staff are expected to attend the session which can be delivered as a half-day session or as two to three shorter sessions
• The creation of a relational behaviour policy that embeds relational practice across the school

For further information please email the Virtual School Senior Educational Psychologist at amanda.cotton@herefordshire.gov.uk or the Virtual School Head at joanna.chick2@herefordshire.gov.uk