Dear Craig, 

Firstly, I would like to extend my sincere thanks for the opportunity to participate in the pilot Healthy Gaming Programme. The support and resources provided addressed a growing need within our school community. The following testimonial outlines the context that led us to engage with the programme, the impact it had, and the long-term value it has created for our students, families, and staff. 

Initially, whilst we knew how popular gaming was with our students, it wasn't something we'd identified as a significant concern within our school. However, a situation arose that brought the potential for harm into sharp focus. During a routine well-being check-in, a 9-year-old student shared an incident where he had become extremely angry while gaming the previous night, reacting by throwing his controller at the TV screen after a loss. He described feeling trapped in a cycle of "just one more game," hoping a win would allow him to finally go to sleep. 

This incident prompted us to connect with his parents and begin looking for resources to address healthy gaming habits with a young child. It quickly became apparent that suitable materials for this age group were scarce, with most resources focusing on gambling, or were targeted at older students. We were also mindful of some challenging circumstances within the child's family background as there was a history of addiction and Domestic Violence, highlighting a potential vulnerability.

Seeking solutions, we reached out to our local Police Officer, PC Dipti Manani, sharing our urgent need for age-appropriate materials to address this growing issue. This pivotal conversation connected us with Craig de Vos and his team, who delivered a project that made a significant difference in how our school community approached gaming.

Their support was comprehensive and inclusive, engaging students, parents, and staff. Their workshops were interactive and engaging, creating a safe space for children to openly discuss their gaming habits and confront the consequences of their choices. Crucially, these sessions were specifically tailored based on insights obtained from initial student surveys, ensuring maximum relevance and impact.

Parental involvement was integral to the project's success. Through surveys, informative information sessions, and a valuable focus group, we actively sought their perspectives while simultaneously empowering them with knowledge about healthy gaming practices.

The tangible outcome of this collaborative effort was the creation of the Healthier Gaming Contract. Developed with input from students, parents, and staff, this clear and concise agreement defined the responsibilities of both children and adults in fostering a safe gaming environment. The positive feedback from families was significant, with many reporting marked improvements in their child’s gaming habits and overall well-being.

To ensure long-term sustainability, Craig enlisted the assistance of the NSPCC and together they co-designed and delivered an insightful staff training session, equipping our teachers with a deeper understanding of the nuances of gaming, potential risks, and clear pathways for intervention when concerns arise. 

This project, born from a moment of alarm, has empowered our entire school community to navigate the complexities of the digital world with greater awareness and proactive strategies. Based on our positive experience and the tangible benefits we observed, we wholeheartedly recommend that other schools engage with the Healthy Gaming programme and proactively prevent gaming harm within their communities. This project not only equipped us with valuable resources and strategies but also fostered a more open and informed dialogue around children's digital well-being.

We are incredibly grateful for you and your team's dedication and support. Thank you once again for the opportunity to be part of this impactful initiative. 

Kind Regards

Asif Esat

Deputy Headteacher