The 7 principles of effective support for Service children

Let's take a closer look at the Seven Principles. This information can be found on page 10 of the delegate booklet for this conference and on page five of the toolkit itself. We developed this framework based on the research report into the Thriving Lives Toolkit. These seven principles are derived from the research. The toolkit allows schools to reflect on their practices and identify improvement priorities using an evidence-based self-evaluation tool. It is based on the research's seven principles, along with accompanying vision statements that outline what effective support might look like.

The seven principles are as follows:

1. Our approach is clear: School leaders' understanding and approach ensure that resources and policies improve service children's outcomes.

2. Well-being is supported: Tailored pastoral provisions support service children's mental health and well-being.

3. Achievement is maximized: Teaching, assessment, and support ensure the continuity of service children's learning and progression.

4. Transition is effective: Effective schools have systems and support in place to ensure seamless transitions for service children when they arrive and when they leave the school.

5. Children are heard: Service children's diverse voices are heard and inform the support they receive.

6. Parents are engaged: Recognizing the importance of strong home-school partnerships, which help service families feel valued as part of the school community.

7. Staff are well-informed: Ensuring that all staff across the school understand and support each service child.

It's crucial not to view these principles as hierarchical. While Principle 1 might serve as a starting point, Principle 7, having well-informed staff, is critical to achieving the other principles. Each principle is a key piece of the overall puzzle of what highly effective schools do to support the education and welfare of their service children throughout their educational journeys.

Now, let's take a closer look at one of the principles in more detail. This information can be found on page 11 of your delegate booklet and page six of the toolkit itself. Each principle has a dedicated page that outlines the evidence, provides examples of what it looks like in schools, and details the self-assessment structure.

Principle 1, "Our approach is clear," emphasizes the importance of strong embedded policies, a planned and transparent approach to support and funding, and careful monitoring. Effective schools have clear strategies for securing, deploying, and evaluating dedicated funding. They involve the whole school, including governing bodies, and ensure that service children's voices not only permeate but also strongly inform strategy.

The toolkit provides reflection questions designed to prompt school leaders to review their school practices under this principle. These questions help schools assess their current practice and consider evidence for their judgment. Additionally, there's space to record agreed actions and deadlines.

The questions for Principle 1, "Our approach is clear," prompt reflections around whole school awareness, monitoring, evaluation, embedding the voices of service children and families, governing bodies, and policies such as admissions. The toolkit follows a similar format for each of the other six principles, presenting evidence and opportunities for reflection and planning.

The rest of the conference will delve into the support available and various aspects of the different principles in more detail. Before we conclude, let's go over the values that underpin this toolkit:

1. Partnership: Fundamental to the alliance's existence, it signifies a commitment to a way of working that focuses on solutions and never problematizes children themselves.

2. Potential: Recognizes that service children, like all children, have huge potential, and their experiences provide opportunities to thrive.

3. Evidence-Based: Combines well-informed professional judgment with a sound evidence base, providing a foundation for service children to thrive.

Thank you for listening. I look forward to connecting with you during the breakout sessions and Q&A in the conference. Please feel free to get in touch.