Caring and dedicated staff from schools across the city have been recognised by Hull City Council’s ‘Thrive’ Board for boosting the wellbeing of pupils who would otherwise struggle.
Nominations received by the council from parents, children’s services, school leaders and wider partners pay tribute to the impact of ‘Relationships That Matter’, boosting self-esteem, emotional regulation, the sense of belonging at school and, ultimately, life-chances.
More than 80 individuals, working in Early Years settings right through to Post-16 colleges, were presented with a certificate and ‘Relationships that Matter’ pin in Hull’s Guildhall. The event was opened by the council’s chief executive, Matt Jukes, who reflected on how the right relationship at the right time can change the lives of children facing adversity.
A speech from the Department for Education’s regional director, Alison Wilson, underlined the government’s commitment to inclusion and belonging for all whilst performances from Maybury School choir and Sirius North Academy, the city’s two music hub schools, provided entertainment.
The staff nominated ranged from teachers and teaching assistants, to headteachers and even a taxi-driver.
One testimonial stated: “It makes a big difference knowing my child is greeted by someone who is patient, understanding and genuinely cares.”
Hundreds of words of testimony were received by the council, reinforcing the power of relationships.
Another detailed how a child has gone from being unable to step foot in the school building to now studying their GCSEs, a feat very few deemed possible.
The student was coached, nurtured and pushed to their potential by their teacher who taught them to understand themselves and their emotions to be able to deal with incidents in the right way.
Their family credits their mentor for putting them on track to receive GCSE grades, something they are delighted with.
Cllr Linda Tock, portfolio holder for children’s services at the council, said: “Relationships That Matter is a campaign dedicated to recognising and strengthening the vital role of trusted adults in schools.
“It feeds into the council’s corporate values of Partnership, Ambition, People First, as well as aligning with our Community Plan ambition of ensuring our city reaches its potential.
“It is therefore only right that those who are the forefront of this are celebrated for the positive impact they are having on the young people of Hull and it was a pleasure to be able to meet them.”
Cllr Daren Hale also congratulated nominees in his capacity as Deputy Lord Mayor.