At Combs Infant School, we recognise that the personal development of children plays a significant role in their ability to learn, achieve and be happy individuals. We therefore aim to provide an education that provides children with opportunities to explore and develop:
Democracy
At the start of the school year, the children in each class discuss and agree upon their class rules and routines. These are then displayed in each classroom and are referred to throughout the year. Throughout the year pupils discuss whether these should be amended and updated.
We have a school council which meets regularly to discuss a variety of school issues. At the start of the year, the pupils in each class vote for their two school council representatives.
All classes have responsibility roles, such as fruit monitors and playground monitors, and pupils in Year 2 have additional responsibilities such as eco monitors and dinner buddies. Pupils are encouraged to take turns volunteering to take on these roles and their responsibilities are highly respected and valued in school.
Other opportunities for discussion of opinions and voting take part in school throughout the year. When the token jar is full, the children are asked to vote on what they would like for their ‘treat’ afternoon and events such as Red Nose Day, Comic Relief, or other events to help raise money, the children are asked for their ideas on what they school can do.
The Rule of Law
At Combs Infant School we have high expectations of pupil conduct and behaviour which is reflected in our Behaviour Policy. Each class has its own rewards system through which good behaviour is celebrated. There is also a weekly celebration assembly of the children’s hard work and a twice half termly reading focused assembly, at which all members of staff can choose children who have tried exceptionally hard with their reading. Through our school assemblies, circle time and PSHE curriculum children are taught about respect and trust; they are supported to develop a strong sense of morality; knowing right from wrong and doing the right thing even when it’s difficult. Every year group has annual e-safety lessons informing the pupils of their right to safety and privacy and how to obtain help if they believe they are in danger.
Individual Liberty
At Combs Infant School, we encourage pupils to make choices in a safe and supportive environment. Through our school values and the PSHE curriculum, pupils are taught about personal responsibility, choices, ambition and aspiration. They are taught how to keep themselves safe, including on-line. This is done through computing lessons, assemblies and outside organisations such as the NSPCC – Speak Out Stay Safe, in addition to the PSHE curriculum. The pupils have opportunities to explore their identity and share their thoughts and feelings. All staff encourage children to access support and to freely talk about their feelings and any problems facing them.
Some children require extra support with their learning or to extend their learning further. This is personalised for each individual child through timely and structured interventions.
Mutual Respect
Through our school’s values, PSHE curriculum and circle time pupils are taught to respect each other, to be cooperative and collaborative, to be supportive to one another and to look for similarities and but also value and respect differences between each other. Our school assemblies explore ideas, stories and celebrations from a range of cultures and backgrounds. All adults at the Combs Infant School model respectful behaviour at all times.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
At Combs Infant School we teach the children to value and celebrate diversity rather than merely tolerate it. This is reflected in our RE, PSHE and our Equality policies. An understanding of different faiths and beliefs is promoted through our Religious Education curriculum and children learn about different religions, their beliefs, places of worship and festivals. In addition in whole school assemblies significant religious and cultural festivals such as Ramadan, Eid, Diwali and Chinese New Year are celebrated and learnt about throughout the year.
An understanding of and respect for different cultures is also promoted at Combs Infant School through the celebration of different festivals where pupils learn more about the language, food and heritage of different countries.
We have a clear progression map to teach PSHE in line with the statutory guidance and this links to the British Values.