Safe School Label Initial Design
Introduction
Evaluation systems and the labelling of good practices are fundamental tools for advancing educational policies and practices. Educational institutions can facilitate the effective implementation of changes and innovations by systematically assessing and recognizing successful strategies, leading to better outcomes for students. The purpose of designing a Safe School Label is to establish a comprehensive framework that promotes and recognises the importance of socio-emotional safety in educational environments. Since schools serve as foundational spaces for learning and personal development, ensuring their socio-emotional safety is paramount.
Through an evidence-based approach, the label will enable continuous and comprehensive assessment of the essential safety standards, fostering a process of ongoing improvement. The results of this evaluation tool will help the educational institutions identify their strengths and areas for improvement, enhancing the overall educational experience for students, particularly those who may face educational exclusion. Additionally, it will encourage collaboration among educators, students, and communities to implement and consolidate best practices in school safety.
Safe School Characteristics
The LET’S CARE Safe Education theoretical model was built upon a combination of exploratory desk research and qualitative research, which enabled the development of a preliminary conceptual framework. This framework integrated three key approaches: Bronfenbrenner’s (1979) ecological perspective, which analyses children’s well-being holistically through the interaction of systems; attachment theory (Bowlby, 1982; Pianta et al., 1995), which highlights the importance of personal relationships in children’s well-being and academic performance; and an inclusive approach (Ainscow, 2014, 2016), which promotes diversity and equal educational opportunities, particularly for the most vulnerable students.
By combining insights, the LET’S CARE Safe Education theoretical model defined ‘’Safe schools’’ as “places where students feel physically, emotionally and psychologically safe in an environment of acceptance respect and trust” (D 2.3, page 57). Pillar 3 of the model, termed ‘’Safe School’’, is structured around 11 dimensions that are essential for creating a safe and supportive school environment. These dimensions can be categorized into three main areas:
- Kind School focuses on the relationships within the school community. It includes the quality of interpersonal relationships, the sense of belonging and participation within the school (Connectedness), the school’s efforts to foster inclusion (Respect for Diversity), and the overall physical and emotional safety of the school environment.
- Strong School assesses the structural and organizational aspects of the school. This includes the organizational systems and procedures in place (Structural Organization), the adequacy and availability of resources such as personnel, materials, and financial support (Environmental Adequacy and Availability of Resources), and the communication and collaboration between the school and external partners (Community Partnership).
- Wise School evaluates the learning environment and the professional development of educators. It considers the teaching and learning methods employed (Teaching and Learning), opportunities for teachers’ professional growth (Professional Development), the leadership capabilities of the principal (Leadership), and the fairness and clarity of school rules and discipline (Order and Discipline).
Collectively, these dimensions form a comprehensive framework designed to assess and enhance the safety, supportiveness, and effectiveness of schools, fostering environments where students can thrive both academically and socially. To make this construct measurable, the LET’S CARE Safe Education Theoretical Framework has identified and validated key indicators that effectively represent school safety. These indicators have been carefully selected based on their direct impact on the core dimensions of the construct and have undergone content validation by experts.