At East Ferry, we believe children thrive when they feel safe, valued and respected. We are committed to creating a calm, caring and purposeful environment where every child can learn effectively and develop positive relationships.
Our approach to behaviour is rooted in high expectations, strong relationships and our shared school values. From Reception through to Year 6, we explicitly teach the behaviours and attitudes that help children succeed as confident, responsible and considerate members of our school community.
Our Golden Rules
Our Golden Rules provide a simple, consistent set of expectations that support daily life at East Ferry:
- Do your best
- Follow instructions first time
- Be kind and honest
- Look after your own and others’ belongings
- Move around calmly and safely
These expectations are taught, modelled and consistently reinforced so that children understand what positive behaviour looks like in every part of school life. This helps create a calm environment where children feel secure and ready to learn.
Promoting positive behaviour
Positive behaviour is at the heart of everything we do. Staff build strong, caring relationships with pupils and take time to recognise effort, kindness, perseverance and positive choices throughout the school day.
Through clear routines, consistent expectations and positive reinforcement, children develop self-discipline, resilience and the confidence to make thoughtful and responsible decisions.
Celebrating success
We believe that celebrating success plays an important role in building children’s confidence, motivation and sense of belonging.
Children earn Class Points for demonstrating our school values. Once a class reaches ten points, they celebrate with a shared reward, promoting teamwork, cooperation and pride in collective achievement.
Each week, children are recognised in Celebration Assembly through our Star of the Week awards. These celebrate pupils who have demonstrated our values and contributed positively to school life.
Children who consistently demonstrate our values may also receive a Golden Ticket. These pupils work together to suggest, discuss and vote on a shared enrichment experience, giving them a genuine voice in school life and strengthening their sense of ownership and pride.
A restorative approach
We take a restorative approach to behaviour. When difficulties arise, children are supported to reflect on their actions, consider the impact on others and think about how relationships can be repaired.
These restorative conversations help children develop empathy, accountability and communication skills, enabling them to learn from mistakes and strengthen relationships over time.
Personal development and wellbeing
Behaviour and personal development are closely linked. Through daily interactions, curriculum learning, assemblies and pastoral support, children are explicitly taught how to:
- Build and maintain positive relationships
- Recognise and manage emotions appropriately
- Show respect and empathy towards others
- Resolve disagreements peacefully
- Demonstrate resilience when faced with challenge
We use the Zones of Regulation to support children in developing emotional awareness and self-regulation. This shared language helps pupils understand their feelings and choose strategies to manage them positively and independently.
As a result, children develop increasing confidence, self-awareness and the emotional skills they need to succeed both in school and in later life.
Working in partnership with families
We believe that strong partnerships between home and school are essential in supporting children’s behaviour and wellbeing. We work closely with families to ensure expectations are clear, consistent and supportive.
Together, we help children develop the confidence, character and values they need to thrive as learners and contribute positively to their community.
