The BUILD Project

Building the foundations for every child to belong, learn and thrive

BUILD stands for Belonging, Understanding, Inclusion, Learning and Development. It brings together Walsall Virtual School’s work on attachment, trauma-informed practice, nurture and inclusive education into one connected approach for schools.

Our ambition is for children to experience school as a place where they feel safe, understood and valued, with strong relationships and the support they need to participate, learn and achieve.

What is BUILD?

BUILD is a whole-school development framework, rather than a single intervention or training course. It helps schools connect their work on relationships, behaviour, attendance, nurture and emotional wellbeing with ambitious teaching and educational progress.

The approach is rooted in our work with children in care, previously looked-after children, children with a social worker and children in kinship care. Strengthening practice around these children also helps create more inclusive schools for everyone.

The five connected elements are:

• Belonging — children feel known, valued and connected to their school community.
• Understanding — adults recognise children’s experiences, strengths and needs.
• Inclusion — barriers are addressed so children remain connected to education.
• Learning — children access ambitious teaching and support to make progress.
• Development — children grow in confidence, independence and aspiration.

How BUILD supports schools

BUILD brings together whole-school development, practical tools, staff learning and support matched to identified needs. Schools will not be expected to adopt every programme or repeat work they have already embedded.

Attachment-aware and trauma-informed practice

BUILD builds on Walsall’s established Attachment Aware and Trauma-Informed Schools Project. It supports schools to translate understanding into everyday classroom practice, predictable routines, supportive relationships and inclusive behaviour systems.

Clear boundaries and high expectations remain central. The focus is on helping children understand expectations, manage difficulties, repair relationships and remain part of their school community.

Existing Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum recognition will inform the continuing development of the programme. 

Nurture and understanding need

Nurture Hubs and the Boxall Profile form an important part of BUILD. Together, they support schools to understand social and emotional needs, identify practical strategies and review children’s progress.

Targeted nurture should have clear outcomes and strong links to classroom learning, helping children participate successfully in the wider school community.

Experts at Hand

Experts at Hand develops school-based expertise so children can access suitable early emotional support through trusted adults.

Training places for Healing Together and Drawing and Talking have been purchased, with implementation being introduced during 2026/27 . Brick-by-Brick through Play Included is also part of the intended offer, with arrangements still to be confirmed.

Training will prioritise schools with higher numbers of children with a social worker. Support for individual children will be based on their needs, wishes and suitability. These approaches complement, rather than replace, specialist services and safeguarding arrangements.

Belonging, relationships and transitions

BUILD encourages schools to listen to children, understand how school feels to them and ensure they can identify a trusted adult.

This includes supporting children through school moves, changes between education phases and everyday transitions. Practical planning, familiar routines and consistent relationships help children stay connected to learning during periods of change.

What we are developing

Our next steps include a proposed Trauma & Attachment Champion programme, opportunities for schools to share effective practice, and a nurture-based, trauma-informed Forest School pilot.

We are also developing transition resources and training and supporting materials for carers. New opportunities will be shared as delivery arrangements, staffing and capacity are confirmed.

Making a difference

BUILD is about changes in children’s everyday experiences, not simply the number of training sessions delivered.

Schools will be encouraged to review children’s sense of belonging, relationships, participation and access to learning alongside attendance and educational progress. Children’s views and feedback from families will help shape the work.

Find out more

Schools interested in BUILD can contact Walsall Virtual School to discuss their current practice, development priorities and the support available.