Our School Becomes a Child First School 

We are proud to announce that our school has officially been recognised as a Child First School, joining a boroughwide movement dedicated to ensuring every child and young person in Swindon is put first, listened to, and empowered to thrive. 

This recognition is grounded in the Child First Swindon manifesto, coproduced with Swindon’s Young Changemakers—a diverse group of 12–25yearolds who bring lived experience, creativity, and passion for improving outcomes for children and young people. Supported by WAY, a youngpersonled charity, the Young Changemakers helped shape a vision that places children at the heart of every organisation and service in Swindon. 

What Child First Means for Our School 

The Child First Framework is built on four core principles: 

1. As Children 

Recognising that children are children—each with unique needs, strengths, and circumstances. Support is tailored, compassionate, and developmentally appropriate. 

2. Building a ProSocial Identity of Belonging 

Helping children develop positive identities, strong relationships, and a sense of belonging, while celebrating their strengths and potential. 

3. Collaborating with Children 

Ensuring children have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect them. We work with children, not to or for them, and value their insight in shaping their own support. 

4. Diverting from Stigma 

Avoiding labels, understanding behaviour in context, and focusing on early, positive support rather than punitive responses. 

These principles align closely with our school’s ethos and strengthen our commitment to creating an environment where every child feels valued, respected, and supported to reach their full potential. 

Why This Matters 

The Child First Swindon vision is simple but powerful: When children are genuinely listened to, understood, and supported holistically, they thrive. 

By adopting this framework, our school joins a wider movement led by Swindon Safeguarding Partnership, local organisations, and young people themselves. Together, we are working to build a community where children’s voices shape the services around them and where every child is empowered to flourish. 

Our Commitments as a Child First School 

As part of the Child First Swindon commitments, we pledge to: 

  • Treat every child with dignity, fairness, and respect 

  • Ensure children’s basic needs are consistently met 

  • Use sensitive, respectful language that reflects children’s identities 

  • Prioritise wellbeing—physical, emotional, and mental 

  • Celebrate strengths, talents, and individuality 

  • Listen without judgement and involve children in decision making 

  • Provide positive opportunities early, not only when challenges arise 

These commitments reflect the 12 Child First pledges outlined in the manifesto and will be embedded across our policies, practice, and culture. 

Looking Ahead 

Becoming a Child First School is not a oneoff achievement—it is an ongoing promise. We will continue to review our policies, collaborate with families and professionals, and work closely with children to ensure their voices remain central to everything we do. 

We are excited to be part of this inspiring movement and look forward to contributing to a Child First Swindon where every young person feels seen, heard, and empowered. 

To learn more about the Child First Swindon manifesto, visit: wayuk.org/child-first-swindon