Woodend Farm School in Witham, which supports pupils with a range of additional needs, has been awarded the IVET Foundation's Quality Mark in Values-based Education (VbE). The school, which opened in 2023, caters for 30 children aged six to 16, many of whom were previously out of education due to a lack of appropriate SEND facilities. It predominantly supports children with autism, ADHD, speech and language challenges and pathological demand avoidance (PDA) profile.
Values-Based Approach Transforms School Culture
Executive headteacher Gemma Quantrill discovered values-based education seven years ago and recognised its potential to transform school culture. After studying Dr Neil Hawkes' work, she knew her unique cohort of children could only truly thrive if everything the school did was based on a strong set of values. Mrs Quantrill said: "Values-Based Education gives our children a language for understanding themselves and others and helps them to develop the social and emotional skills they need to flourish."
Recognition from Dr Neil Hawkes
On visiting the school, Dr Hawkes reported: "The school is deeply and wholly committed to the philosophy and practices of VbE. Gemma's dedication to giving the students the best possible care and education is outstanding. There is no doubt in my mind that Woodend Farm School is an excellent values-based school and richly deserves the Values Quality Mark. This is a school with a huge heart, where meaningful inter-personal relationships create an inclusive, happy school; pupils are well educated and are given an outstanding level of care." He also praised the excellent interpersonal relationships and the team spirit of support, love and care among staff.
Impact on Pupils
The report highlights that pupils grow in confidence, build positive relationships, learn to manage their emotions and become ready to learn because values are explicitly taught, consistently modelled and celebrated. Mrs Quantrill said: "Achieving the Values-Based Education Quality Mark is incredibly important to me. Not because it is an external award, but because it validates something that has been at the heart of Woodend Farm School for many years. I believe that children thrive when values are not simply displayed on walls, but lived, modelled and embedded in every interaction, decision and relationship."
She added: "As a school supporting children with complex social, emotional and mental health needs, we knew that academic success alone would never be enough. Our values of kindness, belonging, believing, achieving, respect, accountability, trust, honesty, forgiveness, teamwork, growth and empowerment have become the foundation upon which we build safety, connection, self-worth and learning. The Quality Mark recognises that values are not an initiative at Woodend Farm School – they are who we are."
A Culture of Care and High Expectations
Dr Hawkes also noted: "Behaviour expectations are consistent and values-centred, resulting in a calm, safe and purposeful learning environment where pupils develop confidence, self-regulation and positive character traits." Mrs Quantrill concluded: "Receiving this award is therefore not simply recognition of what we do; it is confirmation that our values-led approach is helping some of our most vulnerable children find belonging, achieve success and develop into resilient, compassionate young people."
