Visit Chandlings Prep
These are prominently displayed and regularly discussed, ensuring they remain at the forefront of our daily interactions.
Each half-term, we focus on a specific topic related to our values, which is creatively presented on our ever-changing blackboard.
We celebrate kindness through our termly Kindness Cup, recognising those who go above and beyond in showing compassion to others. Our house point system, Deputy Head awards, and Excellence awards further reinforce positive behaviours and achievements, encouraging children to embody our values in all aspects of their school life.
Central to our wellbeing approach is ‘The Wellbeing Knight’, a symbol developed collaboratively with our school community and through pupil voice. This character embodies our commitment to nurturing each child’s emotional and mental health alongside their academic growth.
We’re proud to have been re-awarded the UK’s highest wellbeing accolade – the National Children’s Bureau-backed Wellbeing Award for Schools (WAS). This recognition affirms our dedication to placing wellbeing at the heart of our educational ethos. We firmly believe that a child’s wellbeing and academic development are intrinsically linked, and our approach reflects this understanding.
Our house system, comprising Richardson, Astley, and Poltimore houses, fosters a sense of belonging and friendly competition. Through house activities, children learn teamwork, develop leadership skills, and form friendships across year groups, contributing to a strong and supportive school community.
The safety and welfare of our pupils and staff are paramount. We are committed to providing a happy, caring, and safe environment where children can learn free from any form of abuse. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility at Chandlings, and all staff receive regular training to ensure they can identify signs of distress and confidently apply safeguarding processes.
Our weekly PSHEE lessons are a cornerstone of our wellbeing curriculum. These sessions provide a safe space for open discussions on a wide range of topics, from personal safety and positive friendships to celebrating differences. The programme is flexible, allowing us to address the immediate needs of each class as they arise.
PSHEE themes are reinforced through assemblies, creating a cohesive approach to personal development. We also invite visitors to enhance the curriculum, providing diverse perspectives and real-world insights.
Our high-quality RHSE programme equips pupils with the knowledge, understanding, skills, and confidence to navigate the complexities of society. The age-specific curriculum ensures that information is presented appropriately, helping children develop healthy relationships and make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.
Our thriving School Council gives children the opportunity to contribute to school improvements and develop skills. We value pupil input through pastoral surveys and various ambassador roles, including Eco Ambassadors, School Council Ambassadors, and representatives for Sports, Technology, Language, Library, and Wellbeing.
We even involve our pupils in choosing the charities we support, fostering a sense of social responsibility and empathy from a young age.
Our pastoral care system is multi-layered, ensuring comprehensive support for every child. At the heart of this system is the Form Teacher, who plays a crucial role in overseeing each child’s overall welfare and happiness. However, all staff contribute to the care and support of our pupils, creating a network of trusted adults who children can turn to when needed.
We use an information tracking system that allows staff to share insights, creating a seamless support structure around each child. This approach of listening and noticing ensures we understand and can support each child individually.
Transparency and collaboration with parents are paramount in our pastoral approach. We value strong links with families and work together to ensure the most positive experience for each child.
Our age-specific behaviour policies underscore the importance of reflection and making appropriate choices, helping children develop self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
