Dumbarton Academy has become the first school in West Dunbartonshire to receive a national award celebrating its nurturing ethos.

The National Nurturing School Award is granted to schools who have implemented an exemplary nurturing culture to support pupils, parents, teachers and the wider community.

The programme was completed with nurtureUK, who presented the Head Teacher with the award.

Alison Boyles, Head teacher said:”It is wonderful to see the amazing work going on in our school being recognised. When I joined Dumbarton Academy recently, it was obvious to see the focus on providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all our pupils and supporting their health and wellbeing. That focus continues, and it is our top priority to provide every child with every opportunity to thrive in our school.”

The school introduced nurture group to ensure a wider range of staff were available to offer support.

On receiving the award, the school were commended for making an outstanding change to building positive relationships with pupils and the school community.

As part of a three-year programme to achieve the title, Dumbarton Academy staff focused on improving knowledge of the emotional needs of learners and the impact of their early childhood experiences.

This led improved approaches to behaviour support and tracing and monitoring the support offering to pupils with their health and wellbeing.

Karen Conaghan, Convener of Education said: “It is fantastic to see schools in West Dunbartonshire going above and beyond. It is vital that we do all we can to provide them with not only with academic opportunities, but also equip them with social skills like confidence and self-belief which together will ensure they have the right tools to succeed in their future.”