The award recognises Tor View’s deeply embedded trauma-informed approach and the commitment of our whole school community to ensuring children feel safe, understood, valued and able to flourish.
The TIS consultant’s report described Tor View as:
“A very special place” and “a joyous place to work.”
It praised the continued development of the school and recognised how our “Better Never Ends” philosophy is reflected in our drive to provide the highest-quality, emotionally safe learning environment.
Relationships, belonging and psychological safety
Relationships were identified as one of Tor View’s greatest strengths, with the report stating:
“Relational practice is at the heart of the work the school does.”
It highlighted the importance placed on knowing each child as an individual, understanding their needs and communication preferences, and ensuring consistent relational practice across the whole school.
The consultant observed:
“The Tor View way is evident in every interaction.”
The report also describes our school as “calm, purposeful and joyous”, noting that “Adults delight in the children in their care.”
Most importantly, it captures the impact this culture has on our pupils:
“Children have a strong sense of belonging and psychological safety. They feel they matter, are seen, heard and understood by adults who care very deeply about them.”
High aspirations, learning and achievement
The report also recognises how emotional safety and strong relationships create the foundations for successful learning.
Our commitment to providing meaningful, individualised learning opportunities and maintaining high aspirations for every pupil was particularly celebrated:
“Success is planned for and this is evident in the way that children’s interests and talents are used to promote their SEEKING system and ensures there are routes to becoming a productive member of the community for every child. Aspiration for children is high, and this undoubtedly promotes self-esteem, belief and engagement in the children.”
The report also praised Tor View’s approach to curriculum:
“The curriculum is child centred and fosters a love of learning and engagement tailored to individual interests and needs.”
Alongside this, the consultant recognised our strong focus on preparation for adulthood and independence, including opportunities for real-life experiences and work-related preparation.
Caring for the whole school community
Staff wellbeing was also identified as a particular strength.
The report recognised the range of meaningful support available at Tor View, including supervision opportunities, Mental Health First Aiders, our dedicated Bluebell wellbeing space, Wellbeing Wednesdays and Feel Good Fridays.
The consultant found:
“Without exception staff feel privileged to work here. They feel safe, supported and valued.”
Tor View’s whole-school approach to supervision was described as “excellent practice” which could provide “an effective model for other schools to observe and replicate.”
A culture where everyone can flourish
Summarising the visit, the report concluded:
“Tor View continues to demonstrate an exceptionally strong and deeply embedded trauma-informed culture, with relationships, psychological safety, regulation and the wellbeing of children and staff at the heart of school life.”
It went on to describe:
“An authentic, compassionate and ambitious culture in which people and relationships matter, underpinned by the belief that ‘Better Never Ends’, enabling the whole school community to flourish.”
