School Council

Children are given the opportunity to be involved in matters which concern them, and they are expected to participate fully in class discussions regarding rules and behaviour. The pupils are represented in a forum known as the School Council, which meets weekly, chaired by a member of the Senior Management Team. The Council discusses a variety of items from ways of improving the school to how children can help. Items are discussed in class and suggestions brought forward to the School Council by the class representative.

It would be naive to say that there is never any bullying in a large institution such as a school but we do take significant steps to minimise the risks. The school has been attempting to create a bully-free zone and to encourage children to speak out against inappropriate behaviour. We have a policy of a no-blame approach to bullying in the first instance, in which those bullying are taught to understand the feelings of the victim and how they could behave. If this does not change the behaviour immediately then other sanctions are taken which will usually involve parents.

We have a pattern of rewards used in the school. With our younger children "Smilies" are given for good work, and this is developed throughout the school. If children have worked particularly well then they are sent to the Headteacher to receive a certificate to take home and later put in their record of achievement folder.

Opportunities are taken to congratulate children on their achievements both in and out of school, usually in the child's class or year assembly and occasionally in the full school assembly.