The Newsham Way

We created the Newsham Way through consultation from all stakeholders. It was formulated through a robust development procedure and is continuously evaluated through reflection, training and feedback from all stakeholders. The Newsham Way is based upon a relational approach, and the work of Mr Paul Dix, who is a behaviour specialist, author, education reformer and advisor.

The Journey to Excellence is what we believe everybody in our school community deserves. The Newsham way encapsulates this through three core values that underpin all we do.

Our Positive Relationship Agreement is shared with all pupils, staff and parents/carers and outlines the expectations required from each of these groups. It forms the basis of all conversations that happen between pupils, staff and parents/carers around behaviour. Displays around school reflect the positive relationship agreement and staff and pupils use the language within it continuously and consistently.

The Newsham Way incorporates a trauma informed and attachment aware relational approach to behaviour; one that is consistent, predictable and built on mutual respect and trust. Children feel safe in the knowledge that they are listened to, understood and supported by all staff but will also be challenged on behaviour that does not meet the expectations of The Newsham Way.

 Staff lead by example by role modelling the behaviours we want to see from pupils. Positive, healthy, trusting relationships are modelled between pupils and staff, staff and parents and between staff members themselves, allowing pupils to experience and build strong connections in their day to day lives.

The Newsham Way requires clear, consistent boundaries and expectations that are held to consistently to improve behaviour and relationships for the long term. It uses restorative methods to teach positive behaviour but never to excuse negative behaviour. All emotions are validated. Not all behaviours are accepted. Restorative conversations take place between pupils and staff when expectations have not been met. This restorative approach seeks to respond to the child’s needs, calm, repair and restore. It helps pupils to reflect on what happened, how they were feeling at the time, who has been affected by their behaviour and supports them to find a solution as well as strategies to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Consequences to negative behaviour are timely, appropriate and agreed by all parties.

The Newsham Way allows pupils to become respectful, responsible members of the school and wider community who are ready to embrace challenge and achieve their goals and aspirations.