At Green Lane School, pupil mental health and wellbeing are a top priority. When the opportunity to participate in the Architect Project came up, Safeguarding and Pastoral Lead Amy Baker was quick to jump on board. “Pupil wellbeing is a priority at Green Lane,” Amy explains. “The ethos behind the project aligned perfectly with what we stand for.

We’re working hard to become a trauma- and attachment-informed school, and we’re in the process of opening a SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) base provision, so engaging with this project was a very easy yes!”

As described by Shabnam Kirk (Safety Pod International’s Education Director), The Architect Project gives pupils to opportunity to take part in the design of their learning environment and explore how it can positively support their emotional regulation; “it encourages pupils to actively participate in their behavioural journey helping to ensure they feel heard and understood.”

“The consultation and planning stages of the project were straightforward and well-organised” recalls Amy Baker. “Shabnam’s close support and guidance ensured that everyone involved, from staff to students, understood the purpose of the project and their role in bringing it to life.” When it came to delivering the project, the students were engaged right from the start. Amy describes how Shabnam’s presentation and explanations captivated the children: “Shabnam was fantastic in explaining the project and really got the children excited about what was to come. They all understood the brief and would ask every week, ‘Is Pods on this week?’ They love it so much.”

The clarity of the project’s objectives, combined with Shabnam’s enthusiasm, made it easy for the students to grasp the concept and get involved.

With sessions designed to incorporate art therapy strategies, Amy gained valuable insights into the students’ abilities to engage creatively and think critically.

“I had some reservations about how much certain children would engage in the sessions, but they really blew me away with their commitment to the brief,” she shares. “They were incredibly creative and full of ideas, asking insightful questions and offering suggestions throughout. It’s clear that the project has brought out the best in the students, allowing them to showcase their strengths and develop new skills.”

“The children’s enthusiasm for the project was evident throughout” states Amy, “The children have loved researching, working together, and using their creativity to come up with designs.” The students also shared their thoughts on the project, reflecting their excitement and understanding of the Pods’ potential impact:

• “Children will feel calmer with the Pods, I’ve loved everything.”
• “I’ve enjoyed doing the Pods. Designing has been my favourite part.”
• “It’s been a good mixture of brain and brain. When I’m here, I can focus.”
• “I’ve loved all of it.”
• “I’ve enjoyed making the Pod panels because I like drawing. I’m kind of sad this is our last session. If children are extremely stressed, they can go and find a pod. I think the best bit is going to be the factory visit—I hope they have good health and safety.”

Amy believes that the personalised nature of the Pods will make them even more meaningful to the students. “Having the Pods personalised and seeing how proud the children already are will make a huge difference,” she explains. “They are going to showcase them in assembly, tell the rest of the school what they were asked to help with, and explain the process they went through. This means every child will know what the Pods are for, what they do, who made them, and how they were made.” Amy and the staff at Green Lane Primary School feel confident that the Pods will have a lasting impact in their school. “The Pods are going to be a very special addition to Green Lane! It has been such an exciting project to take part in.”

“The sense of pride and ownership that the students feel about their creations is wonderful to see” reports Shabnam Kirk. “I look forward to welcoming the children to Pods HQ where they will have the opportunity to meet the inventor of The Safety Pod and watch their designs come to life on the factory floor.”