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Working Together to Support Positive Behaviour – 'Each Working For All'

As Headteacher, it is both my privilege and responsibility to ensure that Willowbrook is a school where every child thrives, both academically and personally. Recently, however, we have noticed a decline in behaviour standards that falls below the expectations we hold for our pupils. Addressing this together as a school community is essential to maintaining a positive environment where every child can succeed.

At Willowbrook, our motto, Each Working for All, highlights the importance of collaboration, mutual respect and shared responsibility. In line with this, I am writing to share important updates regarding behaviour within the school and how we can work together to address current challenges.

Maintaining Our School Culture

Recently, we have observed behaviour from some pupils that disrupts the learning environment and affects the atmosphere in classrooms and shared spaces. While such challenges are not uncommon, we believe it is vital to act now to sustain the respectful and supportive culture that reflects our values. Strategies to manage behaviour will continue to be reviewed and recalibrated to ensure that we provide the best support for all our pupils.

Strengthening Our Partnership

As a small school, our success relies on a strong, trusting partnership between parents, carers and staff. Together, we can create the right environment for our children to thrive. This partnership requires mutual respect, shared expectations and open communication.

Our Approach to Supporting Pupils

In keeping with our motto, we are committed to supporting every pupil and working closely with families. We will:

• Celebrate and share instances of outstanding behaviour or positive contributions to the school community.
• Notify you promptly by phone or email if we have concerns about your child’s behaviour, ensuring you can provide support at home. Persistent or serious concerns will result in a meeting to develop a tailored plan together.
• Create individualised support plans where needed to help your child succeed.

Communication Pathways

To maintain clear and structured communication, please follow these steps when raising concerns:

• Classroom-Specific or Minor Issues: You can speak with your child’s class teacher either informally (e.g., at the end of the day) or by sending an email to the admin address addressed to the class teacher.
• General School Policy or Suggestions: Share feedback with the Parent Council or the school office.
• Urgent or Significant Concerns: Arrange an appointment with the Leadership Team for matters such as bullying, safeguarding or SEND-related challenges.
• Immediate Emergencies: Contact the school office, where staff will address medical or safety concerns immediately.

We have every confidence that issues and concerns can be addressed through these means, but should you wish to escalate the complaints the procedure can be found here.

Your Support Is Key

To help foster positive behaviour, we ask for your support in the following ways:

1. Open Conversations: Discuss our school’s core values with your child and encourage them to reflect on how their choices affect others. Emphasise respect, kindness and responsibility.
2. Consistency at Home: Reinforce school expectations by setting clear and consistent boundaries.
3. Supportive Routines: Ensure your child is well-prepared for their day, including being rested and ready to focus.
4. Celebrate Positivity: Recognise and praise your child’s good behaviour to reinforce positive choices.

While we value open communication, in-depth discussions about concerns are best addressed privately. Teachers may request that a meeting be arranged to ensure ample time for a thoughtful conversation.

Renewed Commitment

To reaffirm our shared commitment, we will be reissuing the Willowbrook Home-School Agreement. We kindly ask all families to review and sign this document, symbolising our collective dedication to high standards and mutual respect.

Additionally, we are reviewing our behaviour policies to ensure they meet the highest standards of care and support. As part of this process, we will invite your feedback through the Parent Council. This collaboration will ensure our approach reflects the values of our school community.

Thank you for trusting us with your children. Every decision we make is guided by the belief that they deserve the best. Together, we can ensure Willowbrook remains a place of outstanding care, support and achievement.