Elmhurst School recognised for leading the way in positive behaviour support
Elmhurst School recognised for leading the way in positive behaviour support
Elmhurst School, part of Great Learners Trust, is celebrating national recognition for the way it supports children’s behaviour, creating a calm, caring and inclusive environment where every child can succeed.
Across the country, schools are facing increasing challenges around behaviour. At Elmhurst, staff have worked hard to meet these challenges head-on by focusing on strong relationships, clear expectations and understanding each child as an individual. Supporting positive behaviour has been a key priority and by working together, sharing expertise and investing in staff development, Elmhurst has built consistent use of the Paul Dix approach, which helps children feel safe, respected and ready to learn in every classroom.
This work has now been recognised nationally, with Elmhurst named as a Partner School by When The Adults Change, a programme that supports schools around the world to improve behaviour through positive relationships and consistency. Being a Partner School means Elmhurst is seen as an example of best practice; somewhere that not only uses these approaches every day but has built them into the heart of school life.
Headteacher Kirsty Needham said the recognition reflects years of teamwork and commitment:
“Thanks to Rachel Lee, our Executive Headteacher, the work with Paul Dix was already well embedded when I joined the school six years ago, and she has really been the driving force for it. We have strengthened that offer each year to a point whereby we have been recognised as a When The Adults Change Partner School, which is fantastic. Through weekly training, modelling, developing our learning space and dedicated teams we have added extra layers, and evolved our approach by looking at the gaps and listening to feedback. We have an emphasis on restorative conversations, the most important part of Paul Dix’s approach, both between adults and children and between children.”
At Elmhurst, behaviour is not just about rules, it is about teaching children how to manage their feelings, build friendships and take responsibility. Staff focus on listening, restoring relationships when things go wrong, and helping children learn from their experiences. Elmhurst Rewards, which include postcards, positive calls, celebration café, Great Learners certificates, attendance bank, and showing learning to the Headteacher, are among the practical daily initiatives underway at the school.
The result is a school where children feel they belong. Visitors to the school often comment on how engaged pupils are in their learning and how respectful and supportive the environment feels.
Miss Needham commented: “I am so proud of our children. They are happy, appreciative and care deeply about each other and the staff. They work incredibly hard, their attitude is exceptional, and we want them to feel that they are safe and belong. Our staff are also amazing. They go above and beyond, and are calm, positive and committed. Ultimately, it is our people: children and staff, that make our school special.”
Elmhurst are supporting their peers across the Great Learners Trust. “That is what I am most proud of: our team stepping up, taking ownership, and driving improvement,” Kirsty shared. “That comes from the culture we have built.”
Sarah Baber, CEO of Great Learners Trust, said: “As part of the Trust’s strategic priority to develop ready, respectful and safe learners, Elmhurst is leading the way with an approach inspired by the work of Paul Dix, placing strong relationships, restorative conversations and clear, calm boundaries at the heart of school life. This recognition reflects the strength of Elmhurst’s culture and the unwavering commitment of its staff to building positive relationships that help every child thrive. Our team lives these values every single day, and we are incredibly proud to see their dedication acknowledged in this way.”