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At The 3-18 Education Trust, we strive for all our students, families and staff to develop and achieve a profound sense of belonging within our schools, Trust and the wider communities.
Belonging is a fundamental human need that dates back to our earliest ancestors and influences our cognitive and emotional processes. In essence, belonging can be defined as the sense of connection experienced when surrounded by individuals who care for and support you. Being part of a community, family, or group is integral to cultivating this sense of belonging.
The feeling of belonging can be incredibly powerful and research shows that it has a significant impact on your quality of life. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs highlights the sense of belongingness as an essential need that motivates human behaviour.
If your sense of belonging is impacted, this can result in reduction in mental health, a lack of security/safety, reduction in cognitive processing and a withdrawal from situations impacting your attendance and outward behaviours.
At The 3-18 Education Trust, we have developed a Belonging Charter that focuses on five key areas to identify students at risk of losing their sense of belonging. This enables us to provide appropriate support in a timely manner while also ensuring that students comprehend their personal responsibilities throughout their educational journey and broader life experiences.
