Relational Practice
Secure relationships. A strong sense of belonging. Learning without limits.
At Salterns Academy Trust, relational practice is the foundation of our approach to education, creating respectful, inclusive and aspirational learning communities where every child feels safe, known and ready to learn.
Rooted in our values of Inclusion, Aspiration and Community, and underpinned by our UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools ethos, it shapes how students and adults work together every day. We believe that when young people experience a genuine sense of belonging and trust that adults are invested in their success, they are more likely to engage, achieve and contribute positively.
Relationships are not an addition to learning; they are what make learning possible.
Why Relational Practice Matters
Belonging enables achievement. Our schools are calm, welcoming environments where students feel valued and are encouraged to succeed. Inspection reports consistently recognise the quality of relationships, inclusive practice and high aspirations for all learners, including those with SEND.
Values you can see and feel. Respect, inclusion, aspiration and community are reflected in our curriculum, pastoral systems, enrichment opportunities and daily interactions, creating cultures where high expectations and strong relationships go hand in hand.
A rights-respecting foundation. As UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools, we model dignity, participation and mutual respect. Students learn to understand their rights, value different perspectives and contribute responsibly to their communities.
What Relational Practice Looks Like
Everyday interactions. Students learn in calm, purposeful environments where expectations are clear and relationships are secure. Staff use consistent, respectful approaches that build trust, encourage positive behaviour and support students when challenges arise. Oracy is taught explicitly across our schools, enabling students to communicate confidently, share their views and participate fully in learning and school life.
Curriculum and teaching. Our trust-wide Teaching and Learning principles combine high challenge with high support. Through carefully sequenced learning and effective teaching, students develop deep understanding, independence and confidence. Learning extends beyond the classroom through educational visits, sport, the arts, leadership opportunities and community engagement, helping students develop character, resilience and cultural capital.
Inclusion and SEND. We are committed to ensuring every learner can access and succeed within an ambitious curriculum. Adaptive teaching, targeted interventions and personalised support enable students with SEND and other additional needs to thrive alongside their peers. Meaningful real-world learning experiences help develop communication, independence and preparation for adulthood, ensuring each young person is ready for the next stage of their life.
Student voice and personal development. Students contribute actively to school life through leadership opportunities, enrichment programmes and community involvement. High-quality careers education, aligned with the Gatsby Benchmarks, helps them explore future pathways and make informed decisions. Personal development and wellbeing are embedded throughout school life, helping young people develop resilience, responsibility and self-belief.
The Difference It Makes
When students feel safe, valued and connected, they are more likely to attend regularly, engage in learning and achieve successful outcomes. Across our schools, students benefit from ambitious curricula, strong pastoral support and communities where they feel empowered to succeed. Inspection reports consistently highlight students’ positive behaviour, sense of safety and readiness for the next stage of education, training or employment. Through high aspirations, inclusive practice and rich opportunities, our young people leave us with the knowledge, skills and character needed to flourish in education, employment and modern society.
How We Make It Happen
• High-quality professional development for all staff.
• Inclusive policies that promote dignity, fairness and high expectations.
• Strong safeguarding and pastoral support.
• Ambitious curricula and rich co-curricular opportunities.
At Salterns Academy Trust, our belief is simple: students learn best when they are known, feel they belong and are supported to succeed. Through relational practice, we create learning communities in which everyone feels known, belongs and is empowered to thrive in learning and in life.
