Social development of pupils is shown by their range of social skills and their ability to adapt these when working and socialising with other pupils. They show a willingness to participate in a variety of communities and social settings, including volunteering, cooperating well with others and being able to resolve conflicts effectively. Social development provides children with an acceptance and engagement with the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs; they develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that allow them to fully participate and contribute positively to life in modern Britain.

We support our children in their social development in a variety of different ways. 

• We use Zones of Regulation in order to help children regulate their emotions and solve conflicts in challenging circumstances. helping children to regulate in conflicting circumstances. 

• We celebrate diversity at Garston, teaching the importance of respect and tolerance to the differences of others. We are undertaking the Rainbow Flag Award. This year, our Head Pupils asked to further develop the school’s understanding about the LGBTQ+  community and led an assembly to celebrate IDAHOBIT Day. To view the assembly, please click here.
• We have our own After-School Club which supports children in their ability to mix with a variety of pupils, providing games and activities and modelling appropriate interactions and turn-taking skills.

• In addition to the above, we also have our own Breakfast Club and Positive Start Club to help children build friendships and start their day positively.
• Children are able to benefit from a Positive lunch Club led by our CWSO. During this time, children can take part in adult led games and activities and are supported in building friendship skills.

• Children have access to our Forest School, with sessions led by our Forest School expert. They learn a variety of different social skills, resilience and communication skills.

• We run Residential Trips throughout Years 2 – 6, enabling children to participate in different experiences, developing communication and friendship skills.
• We have a team of pupils who make up our Anti-Bullying Ambassadors. They are currently working towards the Diana Award and are speaking with pupils throughout the school around Anti-Bullying. In addition we have our STOP poster that provides children with an understanding of bullying and how to stop it. 

• Our Well-being Warriors have developed Talking Benches. Every child can use these to speak to others about their worries or feelings, or use just to continue to build and maintain friendships.

Above are some linked examples of this. Please follow our Twitter page for further information about how we support children’s SMSC Development as this is regularly updated. Please click here.