Behaviour and Relationships
Ready, Respectful, Safe
At Loxwood, we believe that positive behaviour is the foundation for successful learning and happy relationships. We want every child to feel safe, valued and ready to learn, while developing the skills and understanding they need to make positive choices.
Our approach is built around three simple expectations:
- Ready – We are ready to learn, listen and take part. We bring the right attitude, equipment and mindset to make the most of every opportunity.
- Respectful – We treat everyone with kindness, care and respect. We listen to others, celebrate differences and look after our school and our community.
- Safe – We make choices that keep ourselves and others safe. We use our words and actions responsibly and know when to ask for help.
We recognise that children are still learning how to manage their emotions, relationships and behaviour. We teach these skills explicitly and support children to understand the impact of their choices, reflect, repair and make better choices next time.
Our aim is not simply to manage behaviour, but to help children develop the confidence, self-regulation and responsibility they need to flourish. By working together with families, we create a calm, consistent and nurturing environment where everyone can learn and thrive.
Ready. Respectful. Safe. These three simple principles underpin the way we learn, play and care for one another at Loxwood.
Therapeutic Behaviour:Our therapeutic approach to managing behaviour comes from our belief that children learn best when they feel safe, calm, and happy and are able to self-regulate their emotions. Loxwood Primary School value pro-social behaviour and all adults work collaboratively in this approach.
As a school, we are committed to teaching positive behaviours and supporting your children to meet our high expectations. Our inclusive learning environment has been created by adult behaviour that is both strong on boundaries and big on heart. As part of this the adults use the consistent language of ready, respectful and safe.
Our policy is underpinned by the principles of Therapeutic Thinking which is endorsed by West Sussex County Council.
What is Therapeutic Thinking?
An approach to behaviour that prioritises the helpful feelings of everyone within the dynamic.
When we use a therapeutic approach;
- we analyse behaviour rather than moralise about it
- we look for the root causes from feelings and experiences rather than blanket behaviourist theory
- we model therapeutic practices with all children, adults in school and parents or visitors from outside
- our language is chosen carefully from universal scripts to be outcome and resolution focused rather than emotive
At Loxwood Primary School we firmly believe that; Positive experiences create positive feelings. Positive feelings create positive behaviour.
We believe that all children:
- have a right to an education
- have a right to be heard
- have the right to feel safe and protected
- have the right to feel respected
- are all responsible members of our community
At Loxwood, the rights of all pupils, staff and visitors to be healthy, safe, educated, listened to, and treated fairly are fundamental to our ethos. Our policies reflect our commitment to equal rights, mutual respect, and shared responsibility. In this context, we acknowledge the relevant articles from the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Growth Mindset:
We teach our children how to learn through growth mindset. This enables children to understand what makes a good learner and how we can understand our own learning. The following values underpin our growth mindset learning:
Relationships and Sex Education (RSE):
RSE as a subject, teaches children about the different physical, social and emotional aspects of growing up, relationships and sexuality. It aims to provide pupils with the skills and knowledge they need to have safe, fulfilling relationships, take responsibility for their sexual health, and feel secure and happy in their sexuality. It also helps them to develop resilience, independence and self-esteem. Our RHE curriculum is taught across all year groups and is age appropriate. It encompasses:
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Families and people who care for me
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Caring friendships
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Respectful relationships
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Online relationships
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Being safe
For more information on RHE, please see our RSE curriculum guidance for parents and carers.
