School awarded national accolade
A Borough primary school has been awarded a national accolade in recognition of its work to support the wellbeing and resilience of pupils.
Woodlands Primary School in Madeley was awarded at the national ARC (Attachment Research Community) Primary School winner 2025 after previously scooping a regional award earlier in the year.
The Attachment and Trauma Research Community (ARC) judging panel select schools which have made the most significant progress in their attachment and trauma aware practice in three main areas – ambition, scope and impact.
For the school, the award recognises its journey to provide a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where every child feels seen, supported and empowered to thrive.
Over several years, the school has invested a significant amount of time and dedication to staff training around the theory and practice of attachment and trauma, emotion coaching, relational practice and adverse childhood experiences. This work has heavily influenced the day-to-day life the school.
The school has also been named an ARC Leaning Hub, which allows it to support other schools across the region to develop their approaches.
Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Education, Employment and Skills said:
“Huge congratulations to the team at Woodlands. To win a regional ARC award is impressive, but to win the national Primary category award for 2025, is a real testament to the school.
“The award recognises the innovative teaching methods, the supportive learning environment and unwavering dedication of staff to support children who may have struggle to form healthy relationships and cope with the demand of school.”
Jo Duncombe, headteacher at Woodlands Primary School, said:
“From nurturing provision and mental health support to our restorative behaviour approaches and strong partnerships with families and external agencies, this award recognises the dedication of our whole staff team.
“This award is not just a celebration of our school, it’s a celebration of every child, parent and staff member who have been part of this journey.”
Michelle Salter, Virtual School Headteacher said:
“The award recognises the journey the school has been on working in co-production with the Telford & Wrekin Council’s Virtual School by engaging in a variety of training packages we offer and completing the ARC framework.
“The Virtual School ensures all our schools have ARC membership and we encourage all our schools to complete the ARC pathway. We have several schools in Telford which are learning hubs and share their good practice with others nationally.”