Case Study:

Salford Council WARMTH Audit Tool

The Salford WARMTH Audit Tool is adapted from an audit tool created by Wirral EPS, which is based around the 8 principle model for whole school approaches for Mental Health, and adapted from Manchester City Council’s ‘Anxiety Based School Avoidance Guidance’ (2020). Salford EPS has updated this to incorporate WARMTH into the tool.

Whole School Audit- WARMTH framework Download

WARMTH in practice

What really matters – Dylan’s story

Dylan reflects on overcoming severe anxiety and depression, missing a year of school, and how supportive parents, teachers, and timely mental health interventions helped him return to learning and regain hope.

Example of:

Wellbeing first

Relational Approach

Mutual Understanding & Partnership

Timely Response

The importance of reducing pressure and meeting people where they are – a parent perspective

After burnout and difficulties attending school, a flexible, child-led appproach enabled gradual reintegration. With trusting relationships, autonomy, and proactive staff, the focus shifted to wellbeing, rebuilding trust, and re-engaging positively with education.

Example of:

Wellbeing first

Relational Approach

Mutual Understanding & Partnership

Holistic Support

Relational Inclusion at the Ambition Community Trust

Ambition Community Trust’s Relational Inclusion replaces sanctions with understanding, co-regulation, and repair. Using tools, staff training, and early support, schools reduced exclusions and suspensions, maintained strong attendance, and improved relationships across the Trust.

Example of:

Relational Approach

The TRUST Test – A way to check you are using the right intervention

These are 5 important principles developed by Dr Naomi Fisher to keep in mind when it comes to attendance and interventions that are used. These are really important to keep in mind when it comes to having the right intervention and minimising possible risks/harm.

Example of:

Wellbeing first

Relational Approach

What happens when you use a behaviour chart on adults? A reflection on behaviour charts

A training activity using reward charts highlighted their drawbacks: anxiety, suppression of needs, and reduced learning. The exercise sparked reflection on moving away from behaviourist systems towards affirming, relational practices.

Example of:

Affirming Practice

Relational Approach

What does research show a tiered system should look like?

Professor Caroline Bond outlines a tiered Barriers to Education framework, combining research and lived experience. It promotes universal relational practices, targeted tailored support, and intensive individualised interventions to improve belonging, wellbeing, and attendance.

Case Study:

Salford Council WARMTH Audit Tool

WARMTH in practice

What really matters – Dylan’s story

Example of:

Wellbeing first

Relational Approach

Mutual Understanding & Partnership

Timely Response

The importance of reducing pressure and meeting people where they are – a parent perspective

Example of:

Wellbeing first

Relational Approach

Mutual Understanding & Partnership

Holistic Support

Relational Inclusion at the Ambition Community Trust

Example of:

Relational Approach

The TRUST Test – A way to check you are using the right intervention

Example of:

Wellbeing first

Relational Approach

What happens when you use a behaviour chart on adults? A reflection on behaviour charts

Example of:

Affirming Practice

Relational Approach

What does research show a tiered system should look like?

Example of:

Wellbeing first

Affirming Practice

Relational Approach

Mutual Understanding & Partnership

Timely Response

Holistic Support

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Case Study:

Salford Council WARMTH Audit Tool

WARMTH in practice

Example of:

Wellbeing first

Relational Approach

Mutual Understanding & Partnership

Timely Response

Example of:

Wellbeing first

Relational Approach

Mutual Understanding & Partnership

Holistic Support

Example of:

Relational Approach

Example of:

Wellbeing first

Relational Approach

Example of:

Affirming Practice

Relational Approach

Example of:

Wellbeing first

Affirming Practice

Relational Approach

Mutual Understanding & Partnership

Timely Response

Holistic Support

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