Behaviour
At St. George’s Church of England Primary School, behaviour is part of our Christian vision to help every child flourish and live life to the full. Inspired by the Good Shepherd, we place care, nurture and relationships at the heart of our approach. Behaviour is not only about following rules, it is about shaping character, developing lifelong habits, and learning how to live well with others.
Through this approach, pupils practise behaviours each day that become habits shaping both how they see themselves and how others experience them. The St. George’s Way helps children to grow into adults who are polite, respectful, grateful and considerate of others. Parents play a vital role in supporting this at home so that school and family together offer a united message about respect, kindness and responsibility
Our approach
The way we manage behaviour is rooted in nurturing principles and restorative practices. Children are encouraged to make positive choices and are supported when they make mistakes. We focus on building respect, kindness, honesty, forgiveness, justice and empathy, knowing that these values prepare our pupils to thrive both in school and beyond.
The St. George’s Way
At the heart of our behaviour approach is the St. George’s Way. This is captured in three simple rules that guide every child’s choices: follow instructions, use kind words, and keep hands and feet to ourselves. These rules are not just classroom expectations but principles for life. They shape how children treat others, how they respond to challenge, and how they build positive relationships.
We believe these rules encapsulate everything we stand for as a school. They provide a shared language for staff, pupils and families, ensuring that expectations are clear and consistent. When parents reinforce the same rules at home, children experience a united message about respect, kindness and responsibility. Working together in this way gives our pupils the very best chance to thrive and to live out our school values in every part of their lives.
The ‘A’ Choice
Sometimes situations arise where children find it hard to know the best way forward. The A Choice reminds them that they do not have to manage everything on their own. Choosing to tell an adult, or asking for support, is the positive way of dealing with difficulties.
We encourage pupils to try to resolve issues independently, because this builds confidence and problem-solving skills. However, we also teach them that seeking help is not a sign of failure but a wise decision when things go wrong or when solutions are needed. By using The A Choice, children learn that asking for support keeps everyone safe, helps relationships to be restored, and allows problems to be resolved fairly. Families can reinforce this at home by praising their child for sharing worries and by modelling that asking for help is a positive step.
Be a STAR
Children at St. George’s are taught to be active and respectful learners through our STAR expectations. STAR stands for Sit up, Track the speaker, Ask and answer questions, and Respect others. These routines give pupils a clear framework for how to engage in lessons and show respect for their classmates and teachers.
STAR goes beyond posture and participation. It develops attentiveness, self-discipline and pride in learning. By practising STAR every day, children learn how to listen carefully, contribute thoughtfully and encourage others to do their best. Families can support this at home by reinforcing the importance of good listening, thoughtful questioning and respectful conversations. Together, we build habits that prepare our pupils not only for success in school but for positive relationships and achievement in life.
LEAF Line
The LEAF line is used throughout school to help children move safely and respectfully. It stands for Lips closed, Eyes forward, Arms by our sides and Feet face the front. These routines are simple, yet they create calm and purposeful movement whenever pupils walk together.
Following the LEAF line is about more than order in corridors. It teaches pupils to show self-control, to think about those around them and to take responsibility for how they move as part of a group. When used consistently, it builds habits of courtesy and care that support a positive atmosphere across the whole school. Parents can help by encouraging their child to wait patiently, walk with awareness and practise good manners in public spaces.
Good to be Green
Good to be Green is a whole-school system that celebrates positive behaviour and gives every child the chance to shine. Each day begins with a green card, a visible reminder that pupils are following the rules and living out our school values. Staying on green earns recognition and house points, while a Gold Card is awarded when behaviour has been exemplary. These moments are celebrated in class and during assemblies, reinforcing that good choices are valued and noticed.
When children make a mistake, the system provides gentle guidance and opportunities to put things right. Teachers use clear steps to encourage reflection and help pupils quickly return to green. This positive approach reminds children that behaviour can always improve and that each day brings a fresh start. Over time, it builds resilience, responsibility and pride in doing the right thing.
Celebrating positive behaviour
Positive behaviour is at the heart of life at St. George’s. We believe that children flourish when their efforts and achievements are recognised, and we make time to celebrate the many ways pupils show kindness, respect and responsibility. These celebrations help children to feel proud of themselves, inspire others to follow their example, and build a strong sense of belonging across the school.
House Points
House Points are awarded when children demonstrate our school rules and values. They encourage teamwork, pride and healthy competition across year groups. Each week the winning house is announced and celebrated in assembly, with termly and annual awards providing further motivation and joy.
Praise Postcards
Every week one pupil from each class receives a Praise Postcard, which is sent home in recognition of their effort, kindness or commitment to our values. Families often display these with pride, strengthening the link between school and home.
Certificates
In our weekly Celebration Worship, pupils receive certificates for outstanding effort, for living out the values of St. George’s or for engaging with the collective worship theme. These moments show children that positive choices are noticed and valued.
Gold Cards
Children who show exemplary behaviour throughout the day may be awarded a Gold Card. Their names are celebrated in class and entered into a prize draw during Celebration Worship, highlighting the importance of consistently positive behaviour.
Headteacher’s Award
At the end of each half-term, teachers nominate a pupil for the Headteacher’s Award. This recognises children who stand out for their effort, kindness or leadership. Families are invited to attend the assembly, making the occasion a memorable milestone for both pupils and parents.
Supporting all pupils
Every child is unique, and some may need extra support with their behaviour. At St. George’s we make sure that expectations are clear for everyone, while also recognising that individual circumstances can affect how children respond. Staff take time to understand pupils’ needs and use strategies that help them feel secure, respected and ready to learn.
Children with special educational needs and disabilities are supported through reasonable adaptations to our behaviour systems. This may include personalised strategies, closer communication with parents and bespoke Positive Behaviour Plans. Teachers and support staff are trained to use nurturing and restorative approaches so that difficulties are managed with compassion and consistency. We also work closely with our Special Educational Needs Coordinator and external professionals to ensure the right support is in place. In this way, every child is given the opportunity to make positive choices, learn from mistakes and flourish within a safe and supportive school community.