The ability to understand and communicate is the most important areas of learning. We ensure that pupils are given a ‘voice’ to communicate. This ‘voice’ could be using words, objects, photographs, pictures, symbols, signing, eye pointing or body language.

We empower our pupils by giving them opportunities to make choices about the things that they believe to be important. By valuing each ‘voice‘ and by listening and responding to that voice, we demonstrate that we support democracy and liberty. We have elected a Head Boy, a Head Girl, Prefects and an active School Council.

We have high expectations about pupil conduct and this is reflected in our behaviour policy. Children are involved in reviewing and writing the Behaviour Policy and setting codes of behaviour; helping pupils to make decisions and choices that are acceptable to the school community and society at large. 

Pupils are helped to learn to manage their behaviour and take responsibility for their actions. Staff are committed to providing a consistent and predictable environment within the school and beyond. We can help many pupils to understand the connection between actions and consequences. Restorative justice practices are used to resolve conflicts. This type of environment enables pupils to feel safe and secure; this in turn, promotes the optimum conditions for learning to take place.

Positive behaviour is celebrated across the school in assemblies, Enrichment Time and with parents/carers. 

Pupils are encouraged to become good and valued citizens. We do this by supporting each pupil to become as independent as possible. We endeavour to demonstrate that everyone has rights; this includes the right to say ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to ideas or activities. Many of our pupils will be able to take responsibility for particular roles and to understand that with certain rights come certain responsibilities. Learning to do things independently is an important part of learning to understand yourself. We encourage pupils to develop their talents and individual skills across the curriculum and value all their achievements. 

We support others by participating in charitable events such as Red Nose Day/Comic Relief and Children in Need. We believe that engendering a caring and helpful environment and being independent can boost and nurture a healthy self-esteem.

We promote each pupil’s inclusion in activities, settings and locations that are appropriate to them individually to meet their needs. Within school, pupils work with a range of people and interactions with others are always positively promoted. This may include working with external coaches and theatre groups etc. The curriculum is personalised and planned for pupils and may include transitioning within the range of resources and places on the site and going into the community to meet with a range of people in a variety of situations which include community events and shared participation with other schools/colleges.

We believe it is important to facilitate opportunities to be part of the community as the pupils, families and staff have much to offer in the development of community cohesion.

We are part of a school and local community where each person is respected and valued equally without regard to ability, gender, faith, heritage or race.

Cultural appreciation and development forms part of our curriculum. We place great emphasis on providing encounters and participation in events and celebrations to broaden all pupils’ experiences and awareness of others.

Our Assemblies help all pupils to find out about themselves and others linking their lives to the communities in which they belong.

Pupils are encouraged to experience British Culture through our curriculum themes. For example, pupils have visited many local places. As a school, we take part in sporting activities which helps to instil ‘fair play’ and engender a ‘team spirit’.

Although some of our pupils may find it difficult to articulate their feelings and concerns; staff are attuned to changes in demeanour and well-being that may indicate anxiety. If they are concerned about a pupil, our accepted practice links to the Safeguarding Policy which entrusts a duty of care to all staff to actively protect and promote the welfare of children.

The staff work closely with parents, carers and other professionals to ensure that the pupils at Earlsmead Primary are happy, well cared for and enabled to learn the skills they need to live a fulfilling life as part of their community.