Our Vision

At St Mary’s, we believe good behaviour is central to a good education. Our behaviour approach is rooted in our Christian vision:

At the heart of our community, we serve to embrace lifelong learning through our Christian foundations. We step forward with love in our hearts, peace in our actions and hope in our aspirations. We enable all to flourish in our diversity of faith and belief, be ambitious and be our unique selves.

We want every child to flourish in a safe, respectful and nurturing environment.

Our Core Rules

At St Mary’s, every child is taught to:

• Be Ready – for learning, for listening, for new opportunities.

• Be Respectful – towards themselves, others, and the school community.

• Be Safe – in their actions, choices, and environment.

These rules are displayed in every classroom and around the school.

Celebrating Positive Behaviour

We believe in catching children doing the right thing. Staff regularly recognise and reward positive behaviour through:

• Praise and encouragement

• Dojo points for individuals and whole classes

• Certificates and notes home

• Special privileges such as Top Table and Privilege Passes

• Weekly and termly celebration assemblies

When Behaviour Goes Wrong

Sometimes children make the wrong choices. Our approach is always fair, consistent, and restorative — helping children to reflect, repair relationships, and move forward.

Responses may include:

• Loss of privileges or playtime

• Removal of Dojo points (with the chance to earn them back)

• Reflection sessions with staff or senior leaders

• Pastoral support where needed

Serious incidents may lead to suspensions or exclusions, in line with statutory guidance.

Our Behaviour Curriculum

Behaviour is taught and practised, just like any other subject. Every class has a short weekly lesson focusing on expectations, routines, and our values.

Children learn and practise:

• STAR (Sit up, Track the speaker, Active listening, Respect)

• Legendary Lines for moving around school

• Wonderful Walking

• Magnificent Manners and Terrific Table Manners

These routines create calm, purposeful classrooms where every child can learn.

Working Together with Parents and Carers

We know children are most successful when home and school work together. Parents and carers support our approach by:

• Reinforcing positive messages at home

• Ensuring children are ready for school each day

• Working with us if challenges arise

Anti-Bullying Commitment

Bullying of any kind is never tolerated at St Mary’s. We take every concern seriously and respond swiftly. Our Anti-Bullying Policy explains in more detail how we prevent and respond to bullying.

Behaviour FAQs

What happens if my child loses Dojo points?
Children may lose up to two Dojo points at a time for breaking school rules. They always have the chance to earn them back by showing restorative behaviour and making better choices.

How do you deal with bullying?
Bullying of any kind is not tolerated at St Mary’s. Every concern is taken seriously and investigated promptly. Victims are supported and perpetrators are helped to understand and change their behaviour. Our Anti-Bullying Policy sets out our full approach.

How can I support my child at home?
The best support is consistency. Talk to your child about our three rules — Be Ready, Be Respectful, Be Safe — and reinforce them at home. Encourage good manners, listening, and responsibility. Please also let us know if anything at home may affect your child’s behaviour so we can help.

What rewards can children earn?
Children collect Dojo points for positive behaviour. These build towards individual rewards, class celebrations, certificates, special privileges like Top Table, and recognition in our celebration assemblies.

What happens if behaviour becomes a serious concern?
If unwanted behaviour is persistent or serious, parents will be invited to meet with school staff to agree on next steps. This may involve an Individual Behaviour Plan or pastoral support.  Our aim is always to work in partnership with families to support children to improve.

Find Out More

For full details, please read our Behaviour Policy below.