SEND, Wellbeing and the Myth of the ‘Complex Child’
As we enter 2026, the SEND system in England is under unprecedented strain. Identification rates continue to rise, statutory processes are overwhelmed, and schools are struggling to meet need within finite budgets and capacity. The dominant narrative is one of complexity: complex pupils, complex needs, complex systems. But this framing risks obscuring a more uncomfortable […]
Why Self-Efficacy Is a Key Predictor of Pupil Outcomes
For decades, UK education policy has focused on what pupils know. League tables, assessments and catch-up strategies are designed to measure attainment, yet they often overlook something more fundamental: whether pupils believe they can succeed. That belief is known as self-efficacy. Coined by psychologist Albert Bandura, self-efficacy describes a person’s belief in their capacity to […]
A First Look at Term 1 Wellbeing Compass Data
How do you turn school struggles into success stories? Term 1 data from the Wellbeing Compass reveals how dedicated Health Mentors, and a focus on belonging and inclusion, are already exceeding targets for mentees across numerous schools. The interim data showcases the progress of Evolve’s award winning mentoring programme designed to support vulnerable pupils. For […]
This is My Place: Cultivating Belonging and Vitality in a Time of Crisis
As we approach Children’s Mental Health Week 2026, the theme “This is My Place” serves as a vital reminder that belonging is not just a feeling, but a system of security and empowerment. This comes at a critical time; school staff are currently on the frontline of a SEND crisis, often feeling overworked, undervalued, and […]
Meet the mentor – Anna
The path to Evolve… After graduating university with a degree in sport, exercise and health sciences, Anna saw the role of health mentor as a great way to gain experience working with young people in an educational setting. With a large sporting and coaching background, Anna saw this as a challenging new way to expand […]
Invisible Victories: Redefining Success in Schools
Introduction In September 2024 Ofsted announced that it would retire single‑word judgements from September 2025, and replace them with report cards using a five‑point grading scale. The change has been welcomed as a landmark shift: no longer will a school be summarily labelled “Outstanding” or “Inadequate.” The move reflects a recognition that educational quality is multi‑dimensional […]
From Compliance to Competitive Advantage: How Corporates Can Lead on Social Value in the New Procurement Era
The UK is undergoing a fundamental shift in how value is defined in the public and private sectors. With the introduction of the Procurement Act 2023, the days of awarding public contracts based primarily on cost are fading.
The storm gathering around SEND
Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) have long been a lifeline for children with special educational needs and disabilities. More than just paperwork, these plans are legally binding commitments that ensure tailored support for those who need it most. But in recent weeks, that lifeline has come under threat.
My Biggest Achievement So Far
Since joining Evolve in April 2024, Harry Mason has built something far more powerful than routines or timetables – he’s built trust. In a Barking and Dagenham secondary school, Harry’s greatest achievement hasn’t been a single breakthrough moment, but the quiet, consistent work of showing up for students week after week – even when progress felt slow.
How important is the ‘most important meal of the day’?
Whether it’s cereal, toast, or a full fry-up, breakfast marks the start of the day for many. But some of us prefer to skip breakfast entirely, often without consideration of the consequences. Read on to understand the history, the science and the politics behind breakfast.
