Our School in Pictures
Caring for your Child at Meadgate
"Pupils personal development is good and supported by the school's strong community ethos and successful caring culture."- Ofsted 2008
At Meadgate children work in a happy learning environment supported by teachers, Learning Support Assistants and fellow pupils. We ensure children are working to the best of their ability but also recognise the importance of fun, exploration and self-expression. Children are encouraged to ask questions, discuss issues and respect the views of others.
The children tell us that they enjoy school, feel safe and feel supported by adults and other children. They contribute to school life and that of the local community ensuring they have a successful transition to secondary school.
At Meadgate we feel it is essential that children communicate effectively and learn to work alongside others. We ensure there are frequent opportunities for them to develop these skills so they leave the school confident and articulate. These include:
- Class Council meetings which are held as formal meetings with debates led by an elected chairperson and secretary.
- An annual class production which is performed to other children in the school and to parents and which incorporates music and drama.
- Services at our local church where children share their thoughts on global themes and celebrate festivals through song.
- Regular lessons develop children's speaking and listening skills and involve discussion on how to understand the feelings and needs of others.
- An annual School Journey for years 5 and 6. This enhances learning in history, geography and science but especially develops pupils' personal and social skills. For example, children are asked to manage their own budget using the school journey "bank", they are encouraged to organise themselves for each day's events and develop their team working skills.
Behaviour, Rewards, & consequences
"Pupils enjoy school. They are polite, welcoming and well behaved."- Ofsted 2008
Meadgate school is a community in which behaviour is based on mutual respect and consideration for others. At Meadgate we encourage everyone to uphold the three Meadgate School Rights which are:
- The right to be safe.
- The right to learn.
- The right to respect
Children also learn about the responsibilities that accompany these rights. In addition each class has rules to follow set and agreed by the children and the class teacher. We have very high expectations of behaviour and are proud that the vast majority of children at Meadgate live up to our expectations. If children fall below the standards we expect we are quick to take action and work in partnership with parents.
We have a system of rewards built around our Golden Book Assembly when we acknowledge not only academic success but also examples of good behaviour. We also have a House Point system which enables winning teams to choose from a menu of "Golden Time" activities.
At Meadgate we encourage good behaviour by:
- Making our expectations clear
- Praising the children when they have behaved well or set a good example to others
- Letting parents know how well they are doing
- Awarding stickers, certificates and house points
- Giving the children responsible and interesting jobs around the school
- Reminding them of correct behaviour, rights and responsibilities
- Providing "Golden Time" linked to the house point system
- Sharing their achievements with the whole school in the Golden Book assembly
Alongside the "Meadgate Rewards" we run the "Meadgate Consequences". These outline clearly what the consequences are of making the wrong choices with behaviour, and correspond to a traffic light system of warnings which are used by all staff throughout school. Children have opportunities to respond to warnings and redeem themselves.
"Bullying and racism are almost non-existent and when they do occur they are dealt with effectively using good procedures."- Ofsted 2008
Our pupils know that we do not tolerate bullying or racist comments. We are a "Telling School". Our pupils are encouraged to report concerns, and do so. As Meadgate is a small school, staff know all the children well and take note of any changes of mood or behaviour and take action if concerned. This enables us to resolve issues before they can escalate. Personal and Social lessons teach pupils how to manage feelings and work effectively alongside others, and this has a positive influence on their behaviour. Assemblies are held daily and have a moral and spiritual theme and help children understand how to get on with others in their school and community.
"Assemblies contribute well to developing respect for, and empathy with, peoples beliefs."- Ofsted 2008
Meadgate Behaviour Consequences
| Level | Behaviour | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Rule Reminder. Warning if continues, moves to the next level |
| 2 |
|
Warning and Choices Name moved to green, then amber if persists. Apology At playtime walk around with member of staff or stand by the fence. |
| 3 |
|
Move to red Time out in classroom or sent to Miss Leatherdale/ Mrs. Balcombe/ Mrs Palmer. Parents informed Recorded on ABC and kept in Headteacher's Behaviour file. Loss of playtime Loss of Golden Time. |
| 4 |
|
Mrs. Masters/ Mrs. Palmer/ Mrs. Williams notified. Meeting with parents Internal exclusion Sent from playground/ Classroom to corridor Pastoral Support plan put in place. |
| 5 |
|
Mrs. Masters/Mrs. Palmer called via red card. Letting and meeting with parents Fixed days exclusion Possible permanent exclusion. |
Meadgate Rewards
If you make the right choices at Meadgate and follow the rules you will earn:
- Well dones!
- Stickers
- Lunchtime superstars
- Certificates
- Prizes
- Awards for your class
- Golden Time
- Your name in the Golden Book
Joining Meadgate School
When children move into the area and join our school they are quick to settle and integrate well. The children tell us they are made to feel welcome by adults and find existing pupils very friendly. This means that any disruption to their learning caused by moving schools is minimised.
"Pastoral care for pupils is good. Pupils who join the school at different times are well supported."- Ofsted 2008See the full 2008 Ofsted Report,here.
