Author name: Ross Banks

WOW! What a year at Phoenix Bay. When people ask what makes a trauma-informed, relational school different, it is rarely one big initiative. It is hundreds of moments that add up to safety, belonging, and young people starting to believe in themselves again. Here are a few of the moments we will carry with us […]

Christmas at Phoenix Bay School has been full of the stuff that actually matters: connection, creativity, and plenty of moments to feel proud of. We came together as a whole school for a proper Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, then ended the day with Christmas karaoke. The kind where you see confidence build in

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Phoenix Bay. There are snowmen on tables, Santas in windows, and students knee-deep in tinsel and glue sticks. The energy is joyful, creative, a little chaotic, just how it should be. But we also know that for some young people, this time of year brings something

In November, three of our team have been letting the facial fuzz flourish, all for a seriously good cause. Ben (Designated Safeguarding Lead), Henry (Teacher), and Nathan (Interventions Manager) have been taking part in Movember, the annual movement to grow awareness (and a moustache) in support of men’s mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and

At Phoenix Bay, learning isn’t just something that happens in classrooms, it happens through hands-on, confidence-building, real-life experiences. Our students have been working towards their AQA Hair, Beauty and Nail Unit Awards, and the salon vibes have been strong. From basic hairstyling and skincare routines to makeup application and professional-level nail treatments, they’re gaining the

Ghostbusters, costumes, pumpkins and a reminder that fun matters! Halloween at Phoenix Bay wasn’t about scaring anyone. It was about connection. Trust. And the kind of laughter that builds real relationships. Our students stepped into Ghostbuster Training Day – armed with UV torches, team missions, and a whole lot of balloon modelling! > A pitch-black

Last Friday was World Mental Health Day, a reminder that mental and emotional wellbeing deserve more than occasional attention. This year’s theme is “Access to Services, Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.” In times of crisis, whether global or personal, access to mental health support often breaks down. The consequences can be devastating. At Phoenix

Last week we had the pleasure of welcoming Keeley Zmaczynska, Esme Vine and Jeremy Donaldson from Torbay Council Social Care team. Three inspiring AYSE social workers, for a full day immersed in what it means to be a truly trauma-informed, relational school. From classroom observations and curriculum discussions to hands-on wellbeing and safeguarding sessions, the

On 4th October 2025, Phoenix Bay officially turned four years old! Four years of new beginnings.Four years of relationships, resilience, and remarkable growth.Four years of proving that education can heal, not just assess. What began as a small school with a big idea, has grown into a thriving community of learning, belonging, and belief. Over

Last Friday, our staff and students came together once again to host a Macmillan Coffee Morning. We baked. We donated. We bought cakes. We shared space, time, and conversation together. Also a big, big thank you to our Interventions Lead, Jayne, who created a showstopping cake that was auctioned via silent bid for £25. In