Redwell Primary School offers a compelling example of how Values-Based Leadership Experiences (VBLEs), facilitated by Columba 1400 can lead to tangible change.
In February 2024, all 53 members of staff at Redwell Primary School took part in a two-day introduction to values-based leadership and the Family Wellbeing Partnership (FWP), followed by a week-long programme for all Primary 6 pupils. In the months since, the school has undergone a visible cultural shift, with widespread improvements in wellbeing, inclusion, and family engagement.
The impact has been broad and meaningful. In terms of personal wellbeing, initiatives such as snack trollies, school uniform flexibility, and encouraging parents and carers to take part in mental health programmes like THRIVE – a 16-week mental wellbeing and self-esteem programme – have made a difference to families. A Pupil Equity Funding (PEF) Family Wellbeing Officer has been appointed, and the introduction of a P1 breakfast event has further helped support relationships between school and families.
In the area of community and belonging, Redwell staff, pupils, and families have embraced the identity of The Redwell Family – a term that now reflects a shared sense of ownership and pride in the school. Parent Council members are actively involved, funding extra-curricular activities and co-designing new initiatives such as drop-in hubs and family reading sessions like Cuddle on the Couch and Book and a Blether.
New opportunities have also emerged. Learning Assistants have taken ownership of aspects of family support, while workshops in STEM, literacy, and numeracy have provided valuable development for both staff and parents. The Parent Council has taken the lead on several school projects, including a sensory room, demonstrating strong and sustainable parental involvement.
As the Headteacher shared, “Since our introduction to Columba 1400 and the Family Wellbeing Partnership we’ve seen a real culture change in Redwell. We’ve allowed ourselves to focus on our families and what they want and need. Our relationships are richer now – we’ve moved up a level. Our families now feel that this building belongs to everyone and ‘The Redwell Family’ isn’t just words.”