When we act respectfully, we show consideration for the feelings, wishes or rights of others. Children deserve respect. When children are respected they succeed in life. When a child experiences respect, they know what it feels like and begin to understand how important it is. If children don’t have respect for peers, authority, or themselves, it’s almost impossible for them to succeed.
At School
At St. Patrick’s we are committed to creating an environment where all children feel respected and valued. We believe that the best way to teach respect is to show respect. We believe that every word and action provides them with feedback about their value and worth in the world.
How we respect our children
- Through the school council, pupil voice questionnaires and suggestion boxes we encourage children to express their views and where these cannot be taken into account, then we explain why.
- We have a robust positive behavior policy which is underpinned by core values.
- We agree to a clear set of whole school rules – children and their families understand the purpose of the rules and the consequences if they are broken.
- We do not believe in blanket punishments – the always children should not suffer because of others.
- We do not shout at the children in our school.
- We treat children the way we want to be treat ourselves by being:
- Polite
- Honest
- Calm
- Trusting
- Considerate
- We actively listen – taking what the children say seriously – they know that what they say matters.
- Achievement is rewarded and we encourage children to have a go – failure is welcomed as a basis for improvement.
- We model respect in all of our interactions with others.
- When children are unhappy about something in school, they are encouraged to write a letter to staff explaining why.
