Our School Giraffe ‘Daisy’ represents the land animal with the biggest heart and the longest neck, enabling her to see from others’ perspectives. Empathy being a core principle of RP.
An important part of our approach to behaviour is the concept of ‘Restorative
Practices’. Our Code of Behaviour is focused on the positive aspects of
behaviour rather than on punishments or sanctions, although these are
included in the appropriate section of our Behaviour Policy. We promote the
notion of a school community where everything we do is based on mutual
respect. Pupils are expected firstly to respect themselves and then to treat
each other and staff members with respect. Teachers and staff members are
expected to treat children with respect.
We take the view that pupils (with exceptions) choose their behaviour to a great
degree – they always have an alternative. Therefore, they must take
responsibility for their behaviour. If they treat others poorly, they may be
acting out their own anger and frustrations, but they can also learn to choose
differently and more positively. We ask children to treat others as they want to
be treated themselves.
Mutual respect, building of positive relationships and above all, empathy are the
corner-stones of our philosophy. We implement the principles of Restorative
Practice constantly aware of the underlying values of:
- Respect
- Interconnectedness
- Fairness
- Personal Accountability
- Honesty
- Collaboration
- Problem-solving