Witherslack Hall School has become the first independent residential special school in the country to be awarded the Team-Teach Gold Standard.   Staff at Witherslack Hall School in Cumbria received the award which is one of the UK’s first accredited training frameworks specifically for professionals working with young people who display challenging behaviour. The Gold Standard Award recognises best practice in terms of policy and procedure.

Tina McIntosh is Head Teacher at Witherslack Hall School, she said: “I am very proud of my staff who fully deserve this award and delighted that their dedication and professionalism is recognised in this way.”

Robin Rhodes is Deputy Head Teacher and the first trainer of Team-Teach at Witherslack Hall School. He said: “We have been involved with Team Teach for more than nine years and have learnt such a lot about positive interactions between staff and pupils. The training has been invaluable and will serve our staff and pupils well for the years to come.”

George Matthews is director and founder of Team Teach Ltd, he said: “I was highly impressed by the staff at Witherslack Hall School and the way in which they interacted with their pupils. The school makes outstanding provision for students’ health, welfare and safety.”

Jim Bowers, proprietor and managing director of the Witherslack Group said: “This is the first school in the Group to be presented with the award and we hope it is the first of many. The Team-Teach approach is one which we are encouraging across our portfolio of schools and care homes.”