Intent

Blakehill is a diverse community in the suburbs of Bradford. The aim is to provide a school setting which follows the school rules of Be Ready, Be Respectful and Be Safe.  We are committed to provide a broad and balanced PSHE curriculum - using SCARF, which gives the children the knowledge and skills to be responsible caring citizens in the real world.  

We deliver a whole school focus on developing a balanced and well rounded individual, who has the capabilities to approach the complexities that life brings. We provide a range of enrichment activities so that the children are provided with skills and experiences that open their eyes to the wider world and how we can respect it.  

Pupil voice is a whole school commitment to listening to the views, wishes and experiences of all children. Placing a value on what children say is important to the staff who deliver the curriculum: are we delivering an education which is meaningful and enjoyable?  By doing this, we are also showing that we value the children’s viewpoint, leading to a happier school community.

The children’s mental health and wellbeing is an overriding priority. Our caring and welcoming staff support one another to make the children feel happy and safe at school.  We use a number of resources to support the children.

Implementation

Mental Health and wellbeing is a priority at Blakehill and we implement this through many avenues. We use the SCARF scheme which is a whole school approach to wellbeing and mental health.  It comprehensively covers the PSHE National Curriculum and is progressive from Reception to Year 6.  This is taught on a weekly basis and there is a different focus for each half term.  The scheme is designed so that curriculum- that is covered in previous years - is looked at again, so that the learning is embedded.  

We have introduced the following core values that give the children the knowledge and skills to be well-rounded balanced individuals:  Resilience, Empathy, Self-awareness, Passion, Excellence, Communication, Teamwork 

These values (acronym: RESPECT) are taken from our Commando Joe scheme, which is currently being used to support targeted children across the school to build character, self-worth and confidence.

Each half-term, the whole school focuses their attention on one of the above core values and those children demonstrating the focus-value will be given a certificate in our celebration assembly. By the end of the year, each core value will have been covered. 

Pupil voice: Pupils enjoy having a voice at Blakehill. At the start of the year, the class vote for their School Councillor, who meets with all of the others on a weekly basis, discussing issues that affect the school. Many of these issues are taken back to class for a class council meeting. They also host whole school assemblies.  Furthermore, pupils are invited to give feedback on their opinions of different subjects, thinking about what they have learnt, what they have enjoyed and what could be improved. These evaluations are crucial to the school moving forward and also give the children the feeling that they are valued.

Impact

Children enjoy learning PSHE and can talk about it: what they have learnt and why it is important to them. Half-termly pre- and post-assessment activities are carried out at the start and end of a theme, so that the impact of what is learned is recognised. 

Although it is early days, children will recognise some of the key ingredients that make a well-rounded individual, and, when given a scenario, they can speak about the core values that they would need to be successful.  

Incidental observations and learning walks demonstrate that the children can speak confidently about being a safe, respectful person in their community who reacts to challenging situations in a positive, assured and resilient manner; this would include being ready and prepared for their next educational step: high school.  

Blakehill children can also be able to talk about ways to lead a happy, healthy life.