Establishing behaviour management and reward methods, as a result of pupils’ responsibility. - Estyn

Establishing behaviour management and reward methods, as a result of pupils’ responsibility.

Effective Practice

YGG Tan-y-Ian

A classroom scene with students seated at desks, one raising their hand, while a teacher stands near a whiteboard explaining a lesson.

Information about the school 

Ysgol Tan-y-lan is a Welsh-medium Primary School situated in Clase on the outskirts of the city of Swansea. The Welsh language is the school’s main medium, and appropriate attention is also given to the Welsh dimension in the school’s life and work. The school opened in September 2011 on the site of the former Graig Infants School, with pupils of nursery and reception ages. The school has gone from strength to strength as the numbers increase annually. A new building was opened in January 2022. This building has first-class facilities which enable the school to continue to offer invaluable opportunities to pupils. The school has a team of friendly and hardworking staff. They work closely with each other and with the school’s governors and parents to establish a school that is happy, safe and stimulating for pupils. 

Context and background to the effective or innovative practice

The school’s motto is ‘Be good, be wise, be great, be me’ which is incorporated in its context and vision. An ethos of pride permeates the whole school. Ysgol Tan-y-Lan has recognised the effect of listening to the pupil’s voice since the very beginning. As a result, listening to the pupils’ voice has become firmly established in the school. The school has worked closely with all stakeholders to create an inclusive and caring community which promotes strong values ​​such as good behaviour and respect. Pupils are at the heart of the successful behaviour management and reward methods that have been implemented across the school. Pupils have demonstrated ownership and pride through incorporating a respectful and caring ethos. 

Description of nature of strategy or activity 

The ‘Behaviour Ladder’ is displayed in every classroom and referred to daily to support and promote respect and good behaviour. All pupils aim to climb the ‘Behaviour Ladder’ and persevere with making personal progress and demonstrating a positive attitude towards their work. All children strive daily to climb the ladder. Each day is a new beginning and an opportunity for all pupils to ensure that they make an effort and are ready to learn. Pupils encourage and praise each other as they climb the ladder. 

What impact has this work had on provision and learners’ standards? 

Pupils’ well-being and attitude towards their learning is one of the school’s strengths. The warm and effective working relationships that exist between adults and pupils ensure that almost all feel safe and make progress. Implementing this ensures that almost all pupils behave excellently during their activities, both when working independently and when playing with their friends during break and lunch times. The homely ethos fosters a happy and homely learning environment. This has a positive effect on standards and skills in all aspects of their work. 

How have you shared your good practice? 

Staff from other educational settings have visited the school to observe the strategy in action. The practice has been shared with other settings in the County, and with schools in Carmarthenshire and Neath Port Talbot.