In St. Helen’s we pride ourselves on having an excellent ethos. A good relationship between pupil and teacher is similar to that between the child and his or her parents, requiring mutual consideration and respect. The “Golden Rules” on which our policy is based centre around:

• Be gentle and kind
• Be helpful
• Work hard
• Look after property
• Be honest

The cornerstone of our Promoting Positive Behaviour Policy (PPB) is based firmly on developing our children as responsible citizens. The children are allocated to a ‘Thinking Circle’ which gives all of them a voice in the decision making process which directly influences improvements within the school. In addition, our school committee representatives are able to gather the views of every child on social and global issues as well as matters which affect them (Eco, Charity, Enterprise, Fairtrade, Rights Respecting Schools, Health and Competitions). This encourages personal and community responsibility, impacting on behaviour and ethos within the school. It is essential that parents work in partnership with the school to support their child in developing as a responsible member of the community.

The use of rewards and praise are used in developing the child’s self-esteem by highlighting good behaviour. Each class uses a ‘Traffic Lights’ system which enables children to modify their own behaviour. This is communicated to parents via the Homework Diary.

All children are rewarded for good behaviour by participating in ‘Golden Time’ activities on a Friday afternoon.

There is a substantial body of research evidence to support the view that school uniform has a positive effect on a variety of factors. For example, the wearing of school uniform is associated with increased achievement and attainment and also with better behaviour and ethos. There are also a number of other benefits such as removing peer pressure to wear the latest designer clothes to school. In addition, school uniform represents very good value for money.