The need for a cohesive and compassionate behaviour strategy became evident when Amy Wells became Headteacher at Ravenscote in September 2019. She had read ‘When the Adults Change, Everything Changes’ just before starting, and along with SLT, she wrote the first draft of their Positive Behaviour policy and introduced it to staff through INSET training. 

 

They also looked at their Trauma Informed approached as they had a growing number of children who were PLAC/LAC in the school. Amy and the SLT hoped that everyone would get on board with relational practice and see the great benefits it could bring. Many staff were feeling disheartened by the behaviour of the children, making them more open to trying something new, even if some doubted it would be effective. They also wanted the children to feel happier, believing that strong relationships would encourage them to be part of the larger school community as 'purple people'. The aim was to create a positive atmosphere where both staff and children could connect and flourish together.

 

Ravenscote’s journey to embed relational practice started with the introduction of a Positive Behaviour Policy, focused INSET training, a School Development Plan and everyone’s appraisals. Whilst progress was temporarily interrupted by Covid, they quickly resumed their efforts. They embedded the 3 school rules: ‘Ready, Respectful and Safe’. They emphasised the importance of using the 'restorative 5', adapting this for those with additional needs. They ensured that praise was shared publicly whilst reminders were kept private. They adopted a ’catch them being good’ philosophy and dramatically increased the variety of rewards the children could achieve, including Governors coming into school on Fridays to have Hot Chocolate with children who were ‘always Ready, Respectful and Safe’. They also promoted a culture of unconditional positive regard, where staff felt empowered to challenge each other when negativity towards children arose. The change within the school community has been incredible, resulting in positive relationships amongst students and between staff and pupils.

 

It was essential for leaders to model the policy prior to its introduction, as this reinforced the rationale for change. Identifying champions of the policy throughout the school helped to foster enthusiasm and commitment among staff. Consistently over-communicating the principles at every opportunity helped ensure that everyone could understand "This is how we do it here.” Additionally, creating a Positive Relationships Blueprint - an A5 laminated guide containing key phrases and reminders - helped serve as a handy reference for staff. Those strategies really helped to facilitate the successful integration of relational practice throughout the school community.

 

Initially, there were concerns regarding the consistent positivity required and the perceived lack of consequences for negative behaviour. However, these apprehensions were swiftly alleviated as all staff members became increasingly supportive upon witnessing the positive impacts on student engagement and atmosphere. As a result, more and more staff members began to publicly praise the achievements of students, which became a natural and integral aspect of the whole school culture. Consequently, relational practice not only transformed interactions, but also enhanced the learning environment significantly.

 

Relational practice is now integral to the school culture at Ravenscote, underpinning the Positive Behaviour Policy and Positive Relationships Blueprint. These frameworks foster a supportive environment that enhances not only student interactions but also overall wellbeing, ensuring that relationships remain at the forefront of the educational ethos. Members of staff, at all levels, now promote the ethos amongst each other.

 

Ravenscote’s journey since 2019 has been incredible, leading to an unbelievable transformation in the culture of the school. In May 2024 they conducted a Health Check with When the Adults Change, which informed their Positive Relationships Blueprint. Throughout the summer term, staff engaged with 10 hours of online WTAC training, becoming champions for the benefits of relationships and relational practice. Visitors, including other Headteachers and senior leaders, consistently remark on the calm and consistent environment that has been cultivated, which is a testament to the impactful partnership between Ravenscote and WTAC. In 2025 they will be taking things further, engaging parents and carers in relational practice, having completed the WTAC Parent Coach Course. We are delighted to have Ravenscote Junior School on board as one of our Partner Schools and look forward to continuing the relationship.