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Behaviour For Living

Waddesdon Church of England School > Behaviour For Living

At Waddesdon, we believe genuinely and unequivocally in the capacity and potential of every person Every child has the right to learn in a calm, safe, and respectful environment, and every teacher has the right to teach without disruption.

This is why our approach to behaviour is based on high expectations, warm relationships and praise.  We refer to it as a ‘Warm Strict’ approach.

‘Warm strict’ is a combination of high expectations and clear boundaries with genuine care, consistency, and compassion.  We apply rules fairly and consistently, whilst we don’t shy away from addressing behaviour that does not meet our standards.  This approach enables all children are supported to be healthy, safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution whilst achieving economic well-being. A strong behaviour culture is key to supporting these goals for every child. 

Being warm means our staff build strong, positive relationships with students, show empathy, and recognise effort and progress. 

Being strict means that we are clear about what is expected. This approach is not about being harsh or punitive, it’s about setting children up to succeed. It helps students take responsibility for their actions, learn from their mistakes, and grow into confident, respectful, and resilient individuals.

We aim to create a culture where students feel supported, valued, and encouraged to do their best, while also understanding that strong routines and fair consequences are essential for long-term success. These standards are supported by the belief that they are carried beyond the school gates.

Behaviour For Learning and For Living

Communication With Parents

At Waddesdon, we aim to create a calm and respectful learning environment in order for every child to flourish both academically and personally. As part of our ongoing commitment to our school values of Dignity, Kindness, and Respect, we believe that strengthening the communication between home and school is critical in making it work.

We understand how important it is for parents to feel informed about their child’s day-to-day experience in school. In response to feedback, we have introduced more regular updates through the SIMS Parent app, which will provide timely notifications about both positive contributions and areas of concern.

Student information can be found via the SIMS Parent app or website. Further guidance and support can be found at: www.waddesdonschool.com/communications 

Behaviour For Learning and For Living

Positive Recognition

We celebrate the many students who consistently demonstrate excellent behaviour, effort, and good character. Parents receive notifications when students are awarded Waddesdon Points for:

Recognition by form tutor

Excellent homework

Positive behaviour in class

High quality work in lessons

Demonstrating “The Waddesdon Way”

Behaviour For Learning and For Living

Behaviour Concerns

We also believe that clear boundaries and consistent consequences help children to grow into responsible young adults. Alongside this, we recognise the importance of restorative conversations in helping students reflect on their actions, repair relationships, and make more positive choices moving forward.  Notifications to parents will be sent when a student:

  • Fails to complete work or homework
  • Shows unacceptable behaviour in or out of lessons
  • Uses derogatory or inappropriate language
  • Fails to bring correct equipment, PE kit, or uniform
  • Uses a mobile phone during the school day
  • Damages property or chews gum in class

These alerts are intended to prompt constructive conversations at home. Where further investigation is needed, school staff will contact you directly after this has taken place.

Behaviour For Learning and For Living

Attendance and Punctuality

Good attendance and punctuality are vital for success. Each Friday, you will receive a summary of your child’s attendance for that week. If a student is late to three or more registrations, a sanction will be issued and parents notified. Sixth Form students follow a tailored version of this system, ensuring their independence is balanced with accountability.

“A full life is the abundant, broad, deep, rich sense of living together through all the ups and downs, twists and turns, joy, pain, elation, depression, dancing, weeping, singing and mourning‘Life in all its fullness’ is far less about what is written on our walls or websites than that which characterises children and adults’ daily experiences of our school community – the very expectation of life, or life expectancy that we seek to offer the children and adults.” 

Our Hope for a Flourishing Schools System, 2023