01/02/2026
Whilst not wishing to undermine the importance of academic knowledge and skills, for me there are three other words beginning with ‘R’ which are vital in education.
I believe that collectively they help create an environment in which it feels safe to learn, where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities and where ultimately pupils are enabled to fulfil their potential.
Nor are they passively accepted as automatically given from students to staff. For I believe respect is earned through demonstrating that we as adults are safe, trustworthy people who care enough to connect even when situations become tricky and dysregulation affects more than the individual who is finding it difficult to manage their emotions.
Being the Protective Behaviours advocate that I am, these words are for me at the heart of solid PB practice which goes beyond being a school which teaches the curriculum to one which in which it is embedded in all aspects of school life.