This year, Forest Academy proudly partnered with Tender to deliver the RE:SET programme – a pioneering, whole-school approach to teaching healthy relationships and emotional wellbeing. The programme has had a remarkable impact across the school community, reinforcing our vision of nurturing safe, happy, and resilient children.

RE:SET has involved staff, governors, parents and pupils from the outset, embedding the principles of respect, empathy and safety into our everyday school culture. From leadership to the classroom, every part of the school has played a role. Our Senior Leadership Team, including the Headteacher and Executive Headteacher, were actively involved in training, planning, and celebrating the work – a clear demonstration of our commitment to building a values-led school environment.

A major highlight was our school’s hosting of several key national figures, including Lib Peck, Director of the Mayor of London’s Violence Reduction Unit, Natasha Irons MP, Sarah Hall MP and Arti Sharma, Nurtur UK CEO. Visitors saw our Year 6 pupils lead a Healthy Friendship workshop and contribute meaningfully to discussions on inclusion and positive relationships. Lib Peck commended Forest Academy’s work, saying:

“It was fantastic to see this work in practice at Forest Academy and see young people contribute to important discussions about the importance of friendship and relationships.”

Throughout the year, our Year 4 and 5 campaign group led their own powerful advocacy initiative. With compassion and creativity, they produced posters, a video on trusted adults, and a moving script on boundaries – two of which are now being shared across London schools as examples of best practice.

Parent and carer involvement has also been a strength of the programme. Strong turnout at information sessions and celebration events reflects the trusted relationship between school and home – an essential part of the Forest Academy ethos.

Executive Headteacher Swabra Lloyd described the collaboration with Tender as “transformative”, saying:

“At Forest Academy, we believe that fostering strong connections between school, home, and the wider community is essential to nurturing happy, confident, and resilient children.”

We are proud that Forest Academy is now recognised as a leader in inclusive, relationship-based education. The RE:SET programme has not only supported pupil wellbeing and personal development but strengthened our curriculum and pastoral offer for years to come.