RAISE values

Respect, Aspire, Integrity, Support and Empower – the values at the heart of school life.

Our RAISE values

Our RAISE values are at the heart of school life. They shape how pupils and staff treat one another, how we learn together and how we create an inclusive environment where every child can develop confidence, independence and a sense of belonging.

Students learning together
Our values spell
RRespect AAspire IIntegrity SSupport EEmpower

Five values. One school community.Tap a letter to find out more

What RAISE means

Respect

We treat everyone with dignity, listen carefully and value differences.

In practice

  • Listening to others
  • Respecting personal space
  • Taking turns
  • Celebrating individuality

Aspire

We set ambitious goals and work towards personal and collective success.

In practice

  • Trying new experiences
  • Recognising effort
  • Setting achievable goals
  • Persevering

Integrity

We act honestly, make responsible choices and do what is right.

In practice

  • Being truthful
  • Taking responsibility
  • Making safe, thoughtful choices

Support

We lift each other up, show kindness and maintain a safe, nurturing environment.

In practice

  • Helping peers
  • Asking for help
  • Encouraging others
  • Building positive relationships

Empower

We build confidence, independence and the belief that every learner can succeed.

In practice

  • Making choices
  • Sharing views
  • Developing life skills
  • Celebrating progress

Putting our values into practice

  • Everyday interactions
  • Classroom routines
  • Assemblies
  • Enrichment
  • Pupil voice
  • Recognising achievements

RAISE is taught and reinforced through everyday interactions, classroom routines, assemblies, enrichment, pupil voice and recognition of achievements. Staff model each value and support pupils to demonstrate them in ways appropriate to their individual communication, sensory and developmental needs.

Recognising impact

  • Staff observations
  • Awards
  • Pupil voice
  • Photographs
  • Enrichment write-ups

We celebrate examples of RAISE in school life and use staff observations, awards, pupil voice, photographs and enrichment write-ups to reflect on participation, relationships, independence and personal growth.

Behaviour

Our Behaviour for Learning policy promotes a positive ethos and helps pupils fulfil their potential. Young people are encouraged to follow the Birchwood Guidelines:

  1. Be positive with others – safe, kind, respectful and helpful.
  2. Be in the right place at the right time.
  3. Follow staff instructions, including any activity rules.
  4. Always tell the truth.
  5. Try your best with classwork and homework.
  6. Look after your own and other people’s property – and hand in devices each morning.
  7. Move around school and on visits safely.
  8. Let an adult know where you are.
  9. Bring what you need each day, including uniform and PE kit.
  10. Show good behaviour outside school too.

Read the full Behaviour for Learning policy.