Values & Ethos
At Sallygate School, part of the Channels & Choices community, our ethos is simple and ambitious: with the right relationships, high expectations and purposeful structure, every child can learn well, feel safe and move towards a confident, independent future.
Our Ethos
We are a values-led, trauma-informed SEMH school. We create calm, predictable routines so pupils can focus on learning; we teach and model the behaviours we wish to see; and we form strong, respectful relationships that help children regulate, take risks in learning and build resilience.
Our ethos rests on three promises:
Our Values
Respect
We treat everyone with dignity. We listen so every voice is heard. We uphold fair, consistent boundaries that make classrooms safe places to learn.
You’ll see it in: courteous language, turn-taking, pride in work and environment, punctual starts, and restorative conversations when things go wrong.
Kindness
We assume positive intent, notice the good and amplify it. We celebrate effort as well as achievement.
You’ll see it in: daily recognition, encouragement, peer support, and adults who “catch children doing the right thing”.
Resilience
We teach self-regulation, perseverance and problem-solving. We normalise mistakes as part of learning and help pupils bounce forward.
You’ll see it in: clear routines, coached coping strategies, graduated support, and pupils reflecting on “what helped” after challenges.
Tolerance
We value difference and teach empathy, curiosity and inclusion. Everyone has the right to learn and the responsibility to let others learn.
You’ll see it in: diverse curriculum content, anti-bullying practice, pupil voice, and adults modelling respectful disagreement.
Values in action.
1) Teaching & Curriculum
Small classes, explicit teaching, scaffolded tasks and clear success criteria.
GCSEs, Functional Skills and vocational pathways, matched to individual starting points and aspirations.
Calm starts (“Do Now” routines), visual timetables, movement breaks that are purposeful, and predictable lesson structures.
Systematic, evidence-informed phonics and reading interventions so every pupil becomes a confident reader.
2) Conduct, Regulation & Recognition (CRR)
We explicitly teach expected behaviours, then practise and rehearse them.
Class Dojo and other positive systems highlight values-linked behaviours.
When things go wrong, we repair, reflect and reset—with proportionate, therapeutic responses.
3) Wellbeing & Safeguarding
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility; we act promptly and communicate clearly.
Key adult relationships, check-ins and safe spaces.
Access to therapeutic input aligned to individual needs and plans.
4) Inclusion & Belonging
Adjustments so pupils get what they need to succeed
Prevention, early reporting routes and swift restorative responses.
We learn about each other; we do not tolerate prejudice.
5) Forest School & Enrichment
Outdoors learning develops teamwork, curiosity and resilience.
Arts, sport and community projects that widen horizons and grow confidence
6) Community & Partnerships
Shared strategies between home and school.
Clear roles, regular reviews and a focus on outcomes that matter for each child.
Partnership with Parents & Carers
What you can expect from us
- Regular, clear communication; swift responses to concerns.
- Practical strategies to support routines, regulation and reading at home.
- Recognition of your child’s efforts and successes.
What we ask in return
- Support routines: punctuality, attendance and calm morning starts.
- Shared language: use the values at home—Respect, Kindness, Resilience, Tolerance.
- Communication: tell us early if something has changed so we can help.
Get involved
- Workshops on behaviour, regulation and reading.
- Parent/carer forums and surveys.
- Celebrations and showcases of learning.
For Professionals & Local Authorities
- Placement approach: Values-led induction, baseline assessment and a settled start with predictable routines.
- Planning & review: Clear targets linked to curriculum, SEMH and attendance; regular progress updates.
- Outcomes: Academic qualifications, improved attendance and regulation, enhanced independence and next-step readiness.
- Partnership: Transparent communication, co-produced plans and timely reports.
Pupil Voice
Pupils help shape the school through the School Council, class forums and surveys. They propose ideas, prioritise projects and review impact—practising democracy and shared responsibility.
Current examples might include playground improvements, lunch-time clubs, and reading for pleasure initiatives.
Policies & Further Reading
- Behaviour (Conduct, Regulation & Recognition)
- Safeguarding & Child Protection
- Anti-Bullying
- SEND Information Report & Policy
- Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
- Curriculum & Assessment
- Attendance
