Kings Ash Academy celebrates graduation from the Behaviour Hub Programme with a £9,000 grant for their new playground!

Kings Ash Academy, part of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, is proud to announce its successful graduation from the Behaviour Hub Programme as an Extended Partner school.  

This achievement comes with a generous £9,000 grant that has funded the completion of a brand-new playground, designed to support positive behaviour and provide a vibrant space for exploration and development for young learners. 

The Behaviour Hub Programme, funded by the Department for Education, offers a tailored support package aimed at enhancing behaviour systems and culture in schools across England.  

Through this one-year initiative, Kings Ash Academy has received invaluable expertise to develop and refine behaviour systems and processes, specifically tailored to the school's learning values and existing culture. 

During the Behaviour Hub journey, the academy identified key areas for improvement and established several goals to enhance its behaviour culture: 

1. Developing a reward system: The academy has introduced a reward system that highlights pupils' achievements and aligns with its core values, making certain that positive behaviours are acknowledged and celebrated. 
2. Cultivating community values: The academy strives to create a community that promotes independence, respect, collaboration, and creativity. 
3. Establishing clear boundaries: Clearly defined boundaries have been established to remove any ambiguity regarding acceptable behaviours, ensuring that all pupils understand the expectations and consequences of their actions.  

The newly completed playground plays a crucial role in this initiative, as it offers children a safe and engaging environment where they can practice cooperation, share space, and develop social skills through play. It reinforces the school’s commitment to encouraging positive behaviour by providing opportunities for pupils to engage with one another in constructive ways. 

As a reminder of shared values, rule posters are now prominently displayed throughout the academy, encouraging pupils to ‘Be Kind, Be Safe, and Be Ready’.  

The academy has also implemented a clear procedure for addressing rule-breaking, which includes reminding pupils of expectations, offering support, and engaging in restorative conversations following any necessary sanctions. 

Reflecting on this significant milestone, Rob Fitzsimmons, Headteacher stated: 

 “Graduating from the Behaviour Hub Programme is a proud moment for Kings Ash Academy. The hard work and commitment of our staff have been instrumental in this achievement.  

“We want to create an environment where every pupil feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. Good behaviour in schools is crucial if pupils are to learn and reach their full potential.” 

A pupil at Kings Ash Academy shared their thoughts, stating:  

“I love that we get rewards for being good! The new playground is amazing! It’s a fun place to play, and I feel happy.”