Belonging by Design
Introduction
At Anglian Learning, we are creating schools and communities where every pupil feels they genuinely belong. For us, inclusion is about all pupils having access to excellent educational and social opportunities whilst feeling deeply connected, valued, and respected in their school communities.
We are prioritising our Belonging by Design strategy as research shows that when pupils feel they belong, they are more likely to have improved outcomes. Pupils with a strong sense of belonging show an increase in academic engagement and achievement, improved self esteem and better mental health as well as increased attendance rates.
Strategy
Our Belonging by Design strategy prioritises inclusive and relational approaches, where:
- We recognise the value of peer friendships and the importance of staff / pupil connection
- All communities in school feel equally valued and understood
- We have clear and unambiguous high expectations and boundaries with support to help pupils achieve them
- There are opportunities to shine for all – leadership, sport, arts, drama, clubs, trips, volunteering etc
- We encourage strong, respectful family and community relationships
- Prioritise pastoral and mental health support
- Celebrate difference and diversity
The Anglian Learning sense of belonging initiative will build upon the work on Inclusion that has already started through the strategic groups and blueprint enquiries.
The Five Strands
The five strands of Belonging by Design are Attendance, Communities, Inclusion, Mental Health and Relationships.
Through intentionally fostering this sense of belonging into every aspect of Anglian Learning, we are creating environments where relationships, positive regard towards others and the celebration of personal achievements become the cornerstone of who we are and what we do.
Introducing Camilla Saunders
Camilla Saunders, Director of Inclusion
| “As Director of Inclusion for Anglian Learning, I am proud to be leading our Belonging by Design initiative. The alarming rise in pupils experiencing poor mental health and increased school absenteeism has to be addressed. The initiative allows for innovative approaches to be actioned by colleagues, supported by our partners and national research, to help our pupils feel they belong, no matter their starting point or background.” |
Research Findings
“Belonging is the feeling that we’re part of a larger group that values, respects, and cares for us – and to which we feel we have something to contribute.”
– Cohen GL 2023
According to IOE 2020 (UCL Faculty of Education), a sense of belonging leads to:
- Increased pupil motivation
- Reduction in pupil absenteeism
- Improved academic achievement
- A growing sense of agency: a belief they can make a difference
“Students who lack a sense of belonging are more likely to engage in problematic behaviour, suffer from mental illness, and experience low achievement ”
– Abdollahi, Panahipour, Tafti, & Allen, 2020