Latest news - November 2024
We're Over the Moon! 1decision Wins the Teach Primary Award for Wellbeing!
We are thrilled to announce that 1decision has been honoured with the prestigious Teach Primary Award for Wellbeing! This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work that drives us every day, and we couldn't be more grateful to the schools, teachers, and communities that have supported us along this journey.
To the schools that continue to choose our resources, thank you. It’s your trust and partnership that fuel our commitment to creating impactful resources that empower both children and educators. We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to every child, educator, and professional who has contributed their time, insights, and passion to our content creation. Together, we’re building a brighter, healthier future for young learners.
But that’s not all! We’re thrilled to be finalists for the Wellbeing Resource of the Year at the upcoming Education Today Awards. Winning this award would be an incredible double for us, and we’re keeping our fingers crossed!
Thank you for being a part of the 1decision family. Here’s to creating more transformative resources, celebrating wellbeing, and championing every child’s right to thrive.
The 1decision Team
Autumn Edition of FOCUS Now Available!
Dive into the latest issue of FOCUS, packed with strategies to enhance personal development in schools. This edition covers innovative tools for tracking pupil progress in personal development, helping educators tailor their approach effectively.
Read an inspiring story from Hayley Sherwood, CEO of 1decision, on her journey with ADHD and her dedication to creating inclusive PSHE resources. Plus, discover the value of
whole-school PSHE training to build consistency and confidence across classrooms.
Stay up-to-date with PSHE and RSHE insights, from boosting self-esteem in pupils to fostering entrepreneurial skills. This issue provides tools and fresh perspectives for supporting well-being and growth throughout the term.
Autumn Edition Features:
- The impact of not training all PSHE teachers
- Toothbrushes in the classroom
- Kidpreneurs: Redefining Success
- Feedback from Winchester University
- And more
Programme Updates
New Reverse Advent assembly
Our Reverse Advent Calendar assembly has been created to inspire pupils to think about how they can support others in their community. This initiative encourages children to develop empathy, foster a deeper understanding of those who make up their community, and recognise the importance of community involvement, especially during challenging times.
Access our FREE assembly here.
Our Partner Updates
SchoolTV - Access the parent/carer wellbeing barometer
The Wellbeing Barometer survey has become a crucial tool for schools, offering insights into youth mental health and wellbeing. By understanding community concerns and the nature of these issues, schools are better equipped to support families and foster meaningful conversations, thereby building stronger relationships.
Would you benefit from accessing the wellbeing barometer. Request your survey here.
The Lessons4Life Podcast
Supporting the next generation
Lessons4Life has launched a podcast, powered by 1decision!
Their mission is to ensure dedicated time in the curriculum to help tackle pressing societal issues such as knife crime, radicalisation, and mental health challenges from an early age.
Not a customer? Access our FREE assembly packs here.
Could your school benefit from a FREE PSHE Audit?
We’ve launched a complimentary service to help schools identify and address learning gaps within personal development.
To sign up for this service please click here ADVENT ASSEMBLY Click here
Hosts Gabbie and Marnie have been busy interviewing some of the most innovative thinkers of our time - individuals passionate about personal development and its vital role in fostering both individual wellbeing and academic success. The team at Lessons4Life are committed to bringing podcast listeners guests who understand the importance of prioritising personal growth and life skills, recognising that when we get this right, academic achievement will naturally follow.
Lessons4Life is more than just a podcast; it’s a campaign dedicated to advocating for a stronger focus on essential life skills within the primary school curriculum. By addressing critical gaps in children’s personal development knowledge, Lessons4Life are urging the Department for Education (DfE) and the government to support these efforts with increased funding, training, and resources.
Through the 1decision-powered podcast and our advocacy, Lessons4Life aims to elevate the conversation around personal development in education, inspiring a generation of well-rounded, resilient, and academically successful young people.
Listen to the Lessons4Life Podcast on Youtube or Spotify
Sector News
Emerging Themes in Curriculum Review
In recent discussions, Professor Becky Francis, head of the government’s curriculum and assessment review, has shared insights from her nationwide review roadshows. Key concerns from educators highlight that the current curriculum is seen as overly prescriptive, with excessive content requirements making it challenging to cover material in depth. This approach, many feel, has left teachers “dis-empowered” and reduced enrichment opportunities for pupils.
In her address to the Confederation of School Trusts, Francis outlined recurring concerns about the curriculum being driven too heavily by assessments and exams, which some argue could hinder a wellrounded educational experience. However, she noted that there is also appreciation for the curriculum’s ambition, breadth, and structured progression, particularly in areas such as reading.
On Wednesday 23rd October, Hayley Sherwood and Sophie Hearn from 1decision attended the DfE's Curriculum and Assessment Review roadshow, where they joined fellow educators in meaningful discussions about the future of education.
Hayley and Sophie heard from the
Chair of the review, Becky Francis, and was pleased to briefly chat with her personally.
While perspectives varied, the shared commitment to prioritising children and young people’s needs first and foremost stood out. Speaking about the roadshow, Sophie said "I think schools are in a great position to do so much of this already but how we now pair this with a curriculum that is focused, relevant and reflects the needs of modern Britain will be interesting".
For those interested in a deeper dive into this topic, we encourage you to read the full article on Schools Week and to have your say by completing the national survey
The survey closes on 22nd November at 11:59 pm, so be sure to share your insights before then!
Extra Dates Added to Disconnect to Reconnect
In March 2024, The Health & Wellbeing Service, Leeds City Council and the Be Device Wise Programme, launched their innovative project, 'Disconnect to Reconnect' week, and invited schools across Leeds to participate. Over 5,000 children and young people joined, making it a great success. The partners are therefore thrilled to announce that two further dedicated weeks have been added to the schedule for the next academic year: 10th – 14th March and 9th –13th July 2025.
Dr. Charlotte Armitage, a psychologist and psychotherapist with expertise in psychodynamics and child development, discussed issues surrounding the increasing dependence on smart devices by children and young people during training she delivered in Leeds earlier this year. She explained how, from a young age, children learn social norms, conflict resolution, tolerance of differences, and
relationship-building skills through direct engagement. However, the increasing use of devices is harming the development of these skills, as children often prefer screen time over playing with friends, which negatively impacts their social interactions at school.
During the ‘Disconnect to Reconnect’ weeks, children will be encouraged to engage in alternative activities at home instead of using their devices. Leeds’ wellbeing team hopes this will help kids not only connect more with their friends and families, but also observe the positive impact on their mental health and wellbeing.
To find out how your school can get involved, please see page 24 of our FOCUS Magazine.
Current 1decision Catalogue
Packed with hundreds of engaging resources, videos and lesson plans, our 1decision catalogue is ready and waiting to help support you in teaching and developing young minds.
Awareness Days
Reverse Advent Calendar Assembly
We’re delighted to share our newest assembly release, The Reverse Advent Calendar! This heartwarming assembly is designed to inspire children with the spirit of community and empathy. Through a touching video story, pupils will follow a family as they give back to their local food bank – the same one that supported them in a time of need.
Beyond this story, pupils will also learn how we can support others in our community in a variety of ways, not just through food bank donations. This assembly encourages children to think about kindness, generosity, and the many ways we can all make a difference in the lives of those around us.
We’re also thrilled to introduce a special guest, Kenny Arnold, who has big plans to take this initiative national after its great success in Hertfordshire.
Available now in our customer portal and free for all schools, including non-subscribers, this assembly is perfect for encouraging generosity and togetherness. We can't wait for you to experience it and spread the
NEW!
Reverse Advent Calendar Assembly
message of kindness this season!
For all 1decision subscribers, you can access this assembly within your school account now!
Dates for your calendar
November 2024
17th - 23rd: Road Safety Week
20th - World Children’s Day
December 2024
3rd - International Day of People with Disabilities
8th - Christmas Jumper Day (this differs depending on the school as it typically falls on a Sunday) 10th - Human Rights Day
Special Offers
Introduce us to your cluster group! Share 1decision resources to receive a £150 voucher for your school. Face-to-face cluster groups require a minimum of five schools.
Refer a school and earn £75!
If you’re a fan of what we do and recommend our award-winning resources to schools and trusts, they’ll receive a 10% discount and you can win a £75 Amazon voucher!
Visit: www.1decision.co.uk/ recommendation for more.
Half Price Early Years when added to your Primary programme!
Take advantage of our latest interactive games and create the building blocks for PSHE with this offer 50% when added to primary. Contact info@1decision.co.uk for more details.
Claim 50% funding for SchoolTV subscription.
Take PSHE to the next level by adding SchoolTV to your personal development programme.