Belonging and Mattering at Yorkshire Learning Trust
Yorkshire Learning Trust is shaped by the strengths and stories of our founding schools, and inspired by the belief that together, we can achieve more for every learner.
We want every staff member, child, and their families to feel part of something bigger; to know that no matter where they come from or how they came to our Trust, they fully belong and matter in our classrooms.
But what do belonging and mattering really look like at YLT, and what makes them so important?
Research shows that belonging and mattering aren’t just “nice-to-haves.”
They are the pillars of learning, motivation, and wellbeing.
When children feel recognised, valued, and able to contribute, they accomplish more – and so do their teachers.
Our vision, Excellence in Every Journey, speaks to our driving purpose of providing high-quality, inclusive education that empowers every young person to achieve their full potential.
It’s in the pursuit of this potential that we actively foster inclusive environments where all belong and all matter. Here’s how we do it.
Belonging vs Mattering
“A sense of belonging is a fundamental human motivation. When it is thwarted, learning suffers.” – Baumeister & Leary, 1995
“To matter is to feel valued and to know you add value.” –Isaac Prilleltensky, 2020
Belonging at Yorkshire Learning Trust is about more than simply being present:
It’s about feeling that “I am part of this.”
It’s knowing you are expected and recognised: your name is known, your presence matters, and you’re seen for who you are.
It’s believing that “if I weren’t here, I’d be missed”. This sense of recognition roots individuals in the community and builds trust.
Mattering goes a step deeper than inclusion.
It’s not just about being in the room; it's about having a tangible impact and understanding that you make a difference through your words, your actions, and your unique self.
It’s knowing that, every day, you are working towards something bigger than yourself, and that your presence changes things for the better.
By making belonging and mattering a priority, we are creating a learning environment where:
Pupils learn better.
Research shows that when students feel they belong, they’re more engaged, motivated, and ready to learn.
In addition, feeling valued and connected reduces anxiety, increases participation, and encourages resilience, all of which lead to stronger outcomes.
Learners develop stronger relationships.
A sense of belonging strengthens connections between peers, between learners and educators, and within the school community.
When people know they matter, they invest more deeply in relationships and develop trust, building a stronger foundation for collaboration and growth.
Staff feel valued and motivated.
Staff also benefit when mattering is embedded into the culture.
Recognising teachers and support staff, listening to their ideas, and valuing their contribution makes them feel seen and respected, so they can truly feel like their hard work is making an impact in the community.
Staff Matter Too: Culture, Connection and Care
“Burnout isn’t just about workload. It’s about lack of recognition, lack of belonging, and lack of impact.” – Maslach & Leiter, 2016
We talk often about ensuring every child feels they belong, but what about the adults? What about the staff who guide, inspire, and nurture those children every day?
Too often, staff culture is the missing piece in school development.
Yet research is clear: staff who feel they matter show up differently. They stay longer, give more, and create the conditions for everyone around them to thrive.
When staff feel they matter, it can show up in many ways:
Being asked for your insight, not just your output.
Feeling trusted with professional discretion.
Having space to contribute to something bigger than your role.
Receiving feedback that sees you, not just your data.
When staff feel they truly add value, they’re more energised, motivated, and committed to giving their best. This is a non-negotiable when looking to ensure excellence across every classroom and every individual journey, because when staff thrive, learners do too!
Putting It All into Practice
“People stay where they feel seen and trusted.” – Fullan & Hargreaves, 2012
On 24 October 2025, we gathered as Yorkshire Learning Trust for our first conference – a day to connect, reflect, and re-energise.
Across our family of schools, one message came through again and again: belonging and mattering are not extras nor frills; they are the engine of everything we do, because we know that when the adults belong, the children do too.
The conference provided an opportunity to explore practical strategies for integrating belonging and mattering into everything we do, featuring inspirational talks from Chris Lubbe, Mohamed Abdallah, Clare Stephens and Rebecca Lowman.
Our reflections focused on how we can make belonging and mattering visible for every child and every adult in our community.
We have learned that in every conversation, corridor, and classroom, we have opportunities to show that people matter.
To take these learnings forward, Yorkshire Learning Trust pledges to continue building a collaborative and belonging-centred culture by:
Keeping belonging and mattering visible in our conversations about learning, attendance, and wellbeing.
Sharing examples of classroom and leadership practice that build connection and trust.
Developing staff networks focused on culture, inclusion, and professional belonging.
Gathering pupil and colleague stories over the year – the everyday acts that make someone feel they belong and matter.
None of this was about implementing a new policy.
It’s about how people feel on a Monday morning, and what brings them back to giving their very best for the community they belong to, every day.
The feedback from the day was overwhelmingly positive, with colleagues speaking of connection, pride, and a renewed sense of purpose.
To Close
Belonging and mattering are far from frills or extras.
They’re fundamental human needs, and when we prioritise them, we lay the groundwork for better learning, stronger relationships, and a more motivated, connected community.
At Yorkshire Learning Trust, we don’t just want young people to be present.
We want them to belong, to feel seen, and to know their impact. That’s where real growth happens.
By fostering belonging, mattering and collaboration among diverse school settings and communities, YLT aims to deliver exceptional educational experiences that are responsive to the needs of all learners.
Watch this space to learn more about our work, and where we are going next!
