Windsor Academy Trust, Trinity Point, High St, Halesowen B63 3HY
016A1728

Co-Creating the Future of Health and Education: A Collaborative Workshop with NHS and School Trusts

10th January 2025

This week, Windsor Academy Trust had the privilege of hosting an inspiring and collaborative workshop titled Co-Creating the Future of Health and Education. This unique event brought together leaders from seven NHS trusts, NHS Confederation, NHS Employers, and seven school trusts alongside the Confederation of School Trusts to envision a healthier and more equitable future for young people.

Attendees

The workshop was attended by key stakeholders from across health and education, including:

NHS Trusts:

  • South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust

  • Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust

  • Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Integrated Care System

  • Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust

  • The Royal Wolverhampton and Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust

  • Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

  • NHS Cambridge Children’s Hospital

School Trusts:

  • Windsor Academy Trust

  • United Learning

  • Invictus Education Trust

  • ARK

  • REAch2 Academy Trust

  • Mercian Trust

  • Dixons Academy Trust

Purpose of the Workshop

The workshop was designed to foster cross-sector collaboration. A key outcome of the session will be the creation of a practical report or guide that will serve as a resource for cross-sector partnerships and hopefully, contribute to shaping policy in this area.

Morning Breakout Sessions

The morning session featured dynamic breakout discussions where participants explored key themes and generated actionable insights. These discussions addressed the following key questions:

  1. Impact of Collaboration: What long-term impact should we aim to achieve through cross-sector collaboration?

  2. Challenges: What are the barriers we need to overcome to foster effective collaboration?

  3. Collaboration Gateway: How can we create practical and accessible pathways to collaboration?

  4. Priorities Across Health and Education: What shared priorities should guide our work?

  5. Co-Creating Solutions: How can we co-develop solutions that meet the needs of both sectors?

  6. Top Tips for Collaboration: What advice would we offer to other NHS and school trusts looking to collaborate?

The breakout groups generated thoughtful discussions, highlighting the need for trust, shared goals, and innovative approaches to tackling systemic challenges.

Key Focus Areas and Outcomes

A strong theme throughout the day was the importance of collaboration in reducing health inequalities in young people. Participants identified the potential for partnerships to:

  • Prevent health issues in young people and local communities 

  • Bring community health services onto schools sites

  • Inspire and prepare students for careers in healthcare to build the future NHS workforce

Next Steps: A Collaborative Report

Following the workshop, the group will collaborate to produce a comprehensive report summarising the key findings, insights, and recommendations. This guide will be shared widely within both sectors and will act as a catalyst for further collaboration. It is intended to:

  • Serve as a practical resource for other trusts seeking to foster partnerships.

  • Highlight effective strategies for integrating health services in educational settings.

  • Aim to Influence policy discussions to support the development of cross-sector initiatives.

A Vision for the Future

Windsor Academy Trust is proud to be at the forefront of this vital collaboration. We believe that by working together, we can break down silos, create lasting partnerships, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. Our shared vision is a future where every young person can thrive in both health and education, empowered by the support of their community.

We look forward to sharing the completed report in the coming months and continuing to build bridges between health and education to create a brighter future for all.