Mountford Manor Primary recognised as leading the way with kindness
Mountford Manor Primary School has been presented with the HOPE Award by
Society Without Abuse (SWA) in recognition of the school’s commitment to building a culture
of kindness, respect and safety.
The award was presented during a wholeschool assembly, where the 160 pupils were
celebrated and congratulated on their work to ensure that they are kind, caring and
respectful throughout their lives.
The HOPE Awards is SWA’s flagship schools programme in teaching healthy relationships.
The charity is working with a number of schools across Swindon to deliver this programme
as age-appropriate workshops, as well as through training the teachers and other school
staff.
As part of being a HOPE School, Mountford Manor also hosts monthly dropins with SWA
support workers to assist families experiencing, or at risk of, domestic abuse. The school
also has their own dedicated Family Support Worker who works directly with parents who
may need additional help and support.
Headteacher Helen Wollington explained: “Kindness and friendship are woven throughout
the curriculum at Mountford Manor. From preschool onwards, children learn that they don’t
always have to be everyone’s friend, but they should be friendly to everyone.
“Teaching children about healthy relationships and providing support to families shows
everyone that Mountford Manor is a safe space. By achieving the HOPE Award, we have
the skills and knowledge to continue building relationships with our families so problems can
be tackled together. The children learnt a lot from their sessions, as did the teachers as part
of a special dedicated training in January.”
Aiden, who took part in the HOPE Healthy Relationships lessons, explained: “I learnt that
everyone should be kind to everyone, that’s for boys and girls as well as if you’re black or
white. It was a very good lesson.” Fellow pupil Scarlett added: “I learnt to be kind, help
others and that you don’t have the right to be mean.”
The HOPE Award is a demonstration of a school putting their learning into action and a
commitment to giving their pupils the most positive future, explained CYP Manager Emma
Maclennan. “Mountford Manor is only one of a handful of schools in Swindon leading the
way having already achieved the award, so they should be very proud of their success. It’s
clear that the children have remembered their healthy relationships lessons on being kind
and friendly and we really hope they’ll keep spreading the word on the importance of
kindness.”
