Attachment Aware Schools Award (AASA)
Creating safe, inclusive, and emotionally intelligent school communities
AfC Virtual School’s Attachment Aware Schools Award (AASA) supports schools to embed trauma-informed and attachment-aware practice across their whole community — from leadership to support staff, and from the classroom to the playground.
Since its launch in 2019, over 100 schools across Richmond, Kingston, and Windsor & Maidenhead have joined the programme seeing measurable results across increased attendance, reduction in suspensions and exclusions and an overall positive change in the relationship between staff and students.
“The AASA fits in with quality first teaching. It’s about basic principles of how children learn.”
— Headteacher, Kingston
What Is AASA?
The AASA is a three year professional learning programme, designed to bring about sustainable, whole-school change. Schools are supported by coaches from AfC Virtual School and Educational Psychology Services as they build safe, nurturing environments where children can thrive.
Each year of the programme builds on the last — schools can progress from Bronze to Gold, developing greater internal expertise and reaching further into their community.
“All schools should have to become attachment aware and trauma informed.”
— Designated Teacher, Kingston
Proven Impact
AASA has had measurable impact across participating schools:
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Significant reductions in suspensions and exclusions
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One Richmond secondary school reduced verbal abuse suspensions from 10 to 0 over four years
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100% of post-audit staff reported improved confidence in trauma-informed strategies
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Whole school environments transformed with regulation spaces and relational behaviour policies
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Improved attendance for disadvantaged pupils in participating schools year-on-year
“The school has changed significantly. There's a new and exciting culture — it’s felt by our children, staff and parents.”
— Senior Leader, Richmond
Bronze Award — Laying Foundations
Who it’s for: Schools joining AASA for the first time
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Identify and lead a whole-school change project with support from AfC Virtual School staff and an educational psychologist
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Attend three termly coaching sessions
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Receive free whole-school training on Attachment, Trauma, and Emotion Coaching from an educational psychologist
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Evaluate and celebrate your school’s progress at an annual celebration
Silver Award — Embed and Empower
Who it’s for: Schools continuing into Year 2
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Empower your team to deliver staff training and embed a relational approach
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Build Emotion Coaching into your school’s culture and everyday language
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Continue evaluating impact and adapting your whole-school project
Gold Award — Rippling Out
Who it’s for: Schools in Year 3 of AASA
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Share your practice with the wider community, including other schools and families
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Launch a community-facing project such as parenting programmes or outreach training
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Support transitions, wellbeing, and inclusion beyond your school gates
Explore More:
We recognise that meaningful change takes time and that transforming a school’s culture is never easy. At AfC Virtual School, we are committed to walking alongside you on this journey, providing the coaching, resources and support you need to make a lasting difference, not just within your school but across your wider community.
This is not just another initiative. Schools that have taken part in the AASA programme report genuine and sustainable change — the kind that reshapes lives, strengthens relationships and secures brighter futures for pupils and families alike.
“Emotion coaching really does work — we’ve seen first-hand how it helps kids open up and manage their feelings better.”
— Teacher, AASA school
Ready to sign up for the Bronze Level of the Attachment Aware Schools Award?
JOIN AASA TODAY
Have more questions or want to learn more? We would love to talk to you. Already completed the Bronze level and ready to move on? Please contact Joanna Western at joanna.western@achievingforchildren.org.uk.