Organised by ARC (the Attachment Research Community), the award celebrates best practice in attachment and trauma aware schools and settings, and recognises those that have made a profound and lasting contribution to attachment and trauma aware practices.

Attachment issues are sometimes experienced by children who have had difficulties early in life, and can make it hard for them to form healthy relationships and cope with the demands of school. Attachment aware schools are sensitive to these difficulties and very skilled in helping vulnerable children to thrive.

The school won the regional award in the Special School category after being nominated by the City of Wolverhampton Council's Wolverhampton Virtual School and the Educational Psychology Service, in recognition of its exemplary practice, commitment and leadership.

Pennfields Co-Headteachers Nicky Payne and Ian Ellis said: "We are proud to have been recognised as an Arc Alex Timpson Award winner, reflecting our commitment to developing a trauma informed culture over the past 4 years. Compassion, nurture and understanding are at the heart of our school community, ensuring that every child and young person feels safe, valued and able to thrive.

"This award is a testament to the dedication of our staff, students, families and wider community, who work together to create a culture where relationships matter and wellbeing is prioritised. We remain committed to maintaining an environment in which every child and young person experiences safety, belonging and success through reflective practice, continuous professional learning and strong, trusting relationships."

Meanwhile, there were also celebrations at Loxdale Primary School, which was commended in the Primary category for its excellent work in this area.

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Work, said: "Attachment and trauma awareness within schools is incredibly important – it makes them better schools, and it benefits all their children, not just those who have attachment issues – and I would like to congratulate both Pennfields School and Loxdale Primary on their success.

"They join a select few city schools which have either won or been shortlisted for this prestigious award; In 2022, Low Hill Nursery won the Early Years category and St Michael’s CE Primary School in Tettenhall was a finalist in the Primary category, in 2023, Highfields School won the Secondary category and Switch Midlands Alternative Education was shortlisted in the Alternative Provision category, and in 2024 both Broadmeadow Special School and St Michael's, for a second time, were shortlisted for awards.

"This goes to show the importance that schools across Wolverhampton place on attachment and trauma aware practice, and I am proud to see them leading the way in creating nurturing environments where every child feels safe, supported and able to reach their potential."