At Sandlings Primary School, personal development is at the heart of everything we do. Our goal is to help every child grow into a confident, resilient individual, preparing them not only for academic success but also for life beyond school. We want our children to dream big and develop the skills and values they need for a bright future!
What We Aim to do:
- Foster children’s communication skills to express their ideas with confidence.
- Cultivate responsible, respectful global citizens who appreciate cultural diversity.
- Promote British Values such as respect, democracy, and fairness.
- Teach children how to stay safe and prioritise both their physical and mental well-being.
- Encourage personal growth through reflection, curiosity, integrity, teamwork, leadership, and exposure to various career paths and life experiences.
What We Do to Support Personal Development
Developing a Sense of Belonging
We believe a strong sense of belonging is essential for success. Every year, children take an active role in shaping their class identity by selecting names and setting rules, encouraging ownership and teamwork.
We hold whole-school meetings to ensure everyone is aligned with our school vision, and our welcoming rituals, such as receiving a school bear, singing a welcoming song, and pairing children with buddies, help every child feel part of our community from day one.
Pastoral Support and Wellbeing
We are dedicated to nurturing our children’s emotional health. Our THRIVE practitioner and Mental Health Lead ensure that every child feels safe, supported, and ready to learn. We also collaborate with external agencies, like the Suffolk Mental Health Team, to provide additional support when needed.
Training for Staff, Parents, and Children
Our team continuously develops their skills with training on Thrive, restorative practices, and the Zones of Regulation. We also offer workshops for parents and children on anxiety, wellbeing, and online safety in partnership with Suffolk Mind and the Suffolk Mental Health Team.
Life Skills Curriculum
Our life skills curriculum takes a whole-school approach to mental health and well-being. Activities like PSHE, RSHE, gardening, cooking, and Forest School provide children with practical skills and help them grow emotionally, while also fostering pride in their school.
Healthy Relationships and Safe Lifestyles
Promoting active living is key to children’s wellbeing. With our Sports Premium funding, we offer sports clubs that encourage fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Our PSHE and RSHE programs teach children about healthy relationships, respect, empathy, and consent. We also use the Project Evolve scheme to teach online safety, including topics such as digital footprints and responsible social media use.
Fostering Character, Leadership, and Responsibility
At Sandlings Primary, we offer children countless opportunities to develop leadership, responsibility, and confidence.
- Oracy activities help children communicate their ideas effectively through debates, discussions, and presentations, promoting critical thinking and collaboration.
- Leadership roles such as school council give children the chance to take responsibility and make a difference in their school community.
- We also encourage children to mentor younger peers, building a sense of responsibility and teamwork.
Celebrating Diversity and Promoting Equality
We are proud of our diverse school community and actively celebrate different cultures, backgrounds, and religions.
- Children participate in charitable actions like fundraising for WWF and food banks, learning the importance of giving back.
- Parents contribute to our rich cultural experience by sharing storytelling, cooking, dance, and music from their backgrounds.
- Through our PSHE curriculum, children learn about democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect, helping them understand their role in society and appreciate different perspectives.
Monitoring and Assessing Personal Growth
We track each child’s personal growth through ongoing assessments, class discussions, and written work. With our small school size, we can easily identify and support every child’s progress. The THRIVE tool helps us monitor emotional development and set clear goals for improvement.
Involving Parents and the Community
We believe in working closely with families to support children’s growth. Parents are invited to attend workshops and meetings on topics like emotional well-being, online safety, and mental health. We also encourage family involvement in events like science fairs and poetry assemblies. Our Class Dojo platform ensures strong communication between home and school.
Supporting Vulnerable Groups
We provide tailored support for vulnerable children, using THRIVE plans to nurture emotional development. Additionally, we offer clubs and funding to ensure all children can access enrichment opportunities.
Supporting Transitions
We offer structured transition programs to ensure children are socially and emotionally prepared for the next phase of their education. From nursery to school and from Year 6 to Year 7, we provide personalised support, working with local schools to ensure smooth transitions. Our welcoming rituals, like receiving a school bear and pairing with a buddy, help children feel settled and supported.
Enrichment Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
At Sandlings, we believe that learning extends beyond the classroom. Our enrichment activities allow children to meet new people, visit new places, and try new things, all of which contribute to their personal development and future success. These activities inspire children to set high aspirations and discover new talents.
We offer a wide range of experiences, including:
Connections with Local Services
Year 6 children participate in Crucial Crew, learning essential life skills from different emergency services.
Opportunities to Work with Other Children
Older children engage in debates and collaborative activities with peers from other schools.
Links with Local Businesses and colleges
Children meet professionals from industries such as technology, engineering and farming to explore future career paths
Cultural Visits and Outdoor Learning
We organise trips to museums, historical sites, and local farms, and we also provide opportunities for children to learn about nature through Forest School and outdoor activities and the study of rivers.
Links with the Arts and Sport
Children experience live performances, and perform at Snape Maltings, a world-renowned concert hall. All children visit the theatre and enjoy gymnastics training at the National Gymnastics Training Centre. Additionally, children take virtual live dance lessons from professional dancers at Dance East. Older children participate in team-building and leadership challenges at PGL, providing them with valuable life skills. Children have also spent the day working with a professional photographer.