Ethos and Values

Mission Statement

At Pike Fold we provide a safe, caring and happy environment where children develop skills which enable them to make choices which will impact positively on their lives.

Ethos

At Pike Fold Primary School, we are committed to providing a caring, inclusive and safe environment for all our children so they can learn and thrive. We are proud of the positive, purposeful atmosphere in school, which is often commented on by visitors in school. We are committed to high quality teaching and learning, as well as providing a wide range of enrichment opportunities to support children’s personal, social and academic development.

Our school culture is built on mutual respect and an understanding of the needs of others. Our focus on respectful relationships permeates all areas of school and can be seen in the interactions between children and adults. Adults in school will always take the time to listen to the ideas and opinions of children and there are many ways that children contribute to the life of the school; through for example, School Council.

We have a have a strong ‘play’ ethos during lunch and break times, as we recognise that the skills children learn through quality play are not just invaluable but also crucial to their whole development. Children collaborate, negotiate, solve problems and show resilience – all of which are transferable into a classroom situation and are important life skills. During play, children increase their social competence and emotional maturity. As such, we place high value on the opportunities children have to engage with play and the outdoors.

Values

Childhood and Play
At Pike Fold we value childhood and the importance of play. Childhood is the time for children to be in school and at play, to grow strong and confident with an extended community of caring adults. It is a precious time in which children should live free from fear, safe from violence and protected from abuse and exploitation. Our approach to play is embedded through our continuous provision throughout school and Forest School and ensures children have daily opportunities to engage with nature and quality play.

Respect for each other and our environment
Respectful relationships are promoted in all areas of school life and with all members of our school community. Good manners and polite, respectful behaviour is celebrated. We value kindness and friendship which is demonstrated by both children and adults. We seek to develop respect for our environment through our bespoke curriculum and planned activities. Children are encouraged to value and care for the world around them.

Equality and Diversity
At Pike Fold, we ensure that everyone is treated fairly and respectfully, whilst recognising that people have different needs; understanding that treating people equally does not always involve treating them the same. For example, we may make adjustments for individuals to ensure equal access to opportunities and experiences. We challenge prejudice and promote understanding in relation to people with disabilities and those of differing races, beliefs or religions, sexual orientation or gender. We seek to promote respect and tolerance for difference and value diversity.

Perseverance and Resilience
We adopt a ‘growth mindset’ approach to school life, supporting children to understand that it’s important to work hard, persevere and demonstrate resilience to overcome problems. Children need to understand the importance of failure and the ability to learn from this, which can help to develop their resilience in a wide range of situations. This in turn, encourages children to develop creativity and curiosity.

Collaboration and Co-operation
There are many opportunities throughout the school day to co-operate and collaborate, in both formal and informal situations. Talk partners and group work are regular features of lessons, with children sharing ideas, listening to the views of others and working together towards a common goal. We emphasise the importance of team work in the classroom and in play. Our community links help us to further collaborate and increase skills, knowledge and opportunities.

Our aims

To provide equal access for all children be recognising the special conditions required for learning by individual children.
For children to achieve targets expected with the National Curriculum and within the context of a wider curriculum.
To enable each child to enjoy a creative learning experience.
To understand the world in which we live in and the interdependence of individuals, groups and nations.
To encourage children to develop tolerance and an understanding of other people's religious and moral values and ways of life.
For each child to create a sense of her or his worth and place in school and the community.
To develop attitudes of self-discipline in relation to the child as an individual and the way she or he shows respect for other individuals and groups.
To encourage every child to take pride in and aspire to quality work.
To provide a secure, safe and happy environment for children and adults.