Mrs E Robinson, Principal of Oasis Academy Enfield, recently appeared on the Nexus podcast, part of the London Borough of Enfield’s community initiative run by the Secondary Behaviour Support Service. In the episode, she explored the academy’s relational ethos, trauma‑informed practices and commitment to developing confident, future‑ready students.

Mrs E Robinson outlined how The Oasis Way shapes the academy’s culture, promoting bravery, resilience and mutual support. High expectations, consistency and fairness remain central to Oasis Academy Enfield’s behaviour approach, with staff modelling continuous growth and encouraging students to express their views constructively.

The conversation also spotlighted the academy’s award-winning work with Enfield’s Trauma Informed Practices (ETIPS). This recognition reflects a sustained commitment to understanding behaviour through a relational and compassionate lens. Staff at the academy regularly share and observe best practice, learning from real-time behaviour strategies to ensure a consistent, reflective approach.

Mrs E Robinson also addressed the ongoing challenge of balancing mental health with academic and professional expectations. Oasis Academy Enfield supports this by embedding open discussion within the curriculum, investing in skilled and empathetic staff, and using mindfulness techniques to help pupils and colleagues develop presence and emotional resilience.

Looking to the future, Mrs E Robinson expressed enthusiasm for the evolving national curriculum, while noting staffing as a continuing pressure for schools nationally. Mrs E Robinson emphasised the importance of a curriculum that prepares young people for the modern workplace by ensuring confidence, representation and relevant knowledge are built into their learning. Adequate school funding, particularly for enrichment opportunities such as trips, remains crucial to achieving this.

A big thank you to Mrs E Robinson for an engaging discussion, and for sharing her fantastic musical memories: Pennies from Heaven by Inner City from her youth, and The Chain by Fleetwood Mac as meaningful tracks for the podcast!

Listen to Emma’s full episode (Ep. 14) here: https://bit.ly/4sOywiA.