All of the children and adults are involved and we hope that you will become involved too by encouraging your child.
What is The Merry Hill Way?
The Merry Hill Way is a bespoke behaviour curriculum written by our staff for our children. It incorporates a set of 3 core rules – Ready, Respectful and Safe – and 4 core values – Inclusion, Resilience, Responsibility and communication.
Why The Merry Hill Way?
There is an inseparable link between teaching and learning and behaviour. To help our children to succeed we believe, as educators, must teach rather than tell. As a result, our ‘Behaviour Curriculum’ goes beyond the behaviour policy, it identifies the behaviour and skills we expect each child to master at each age and stage. This curriculum defines each skill and how it can be taught, including the methodology for monitoring and recognising progress. Where there are identified gaps planned interventions will be used to close these gaps; these interventions will be age and stage appropriate.
How will The Merry Hill Way be taught to my child?
Behaviour is taught and reinforced across the school day, through daily routines, modelling, and direct instruction. Staff explicitly teach what each rule looks, sounds, and feels like in different contexts. Children are supported to reflect and regulate their behaviour through a therapeutic, relational approach.
1. Ready
Children are taught to be ready to learn by coming to school on time, following routines, and being in the right place at the right time. We explicitly model what ‘ready’ looks like (e.g. sitting smartly on the carpet, listening to instructions, having the correct equipment). Transitions are practised and supported with visual cues and consistent adult language.
2. Respectful
Children learn to show kindness and consideration to others, to themselves, to adults and to property. Respect is taught through circle time, PSHE lessons (e.g. Jigsaw), and stories that explore emotions and diversity. Adults model respectful interactions at all times, using restorative language to resolve conflict.
3. Safe
Children are taught what it means to be safe, both physically and emotionally.
Safety includes using equipment properly, walking indoors, and using kind hands and words. E-safety, personal space, and emotional regulation are included in PSHE, safeguarding, and wellbeing teaching.
Impact:
Children at Merry Hill understand what is expected of them and why. They learn that behaviour is a choice and that everyone can make a mistake and try again. Staff use a consistent script and shared language to support behaviour, ensuring every child feels safe, respected, and ready to learn.
Children at Merry Hill develop a clear understanding of behavioural expectations and can articulate what it means to be Ready, Respectful and Safe. They make positive choices, understand that behaviour is a choice, and are supported in learning from mistakes.