Relationship Policy

At Quarryhill we believe the quality of relationships is of paramount importance.  We have spent time focusing on the development of a Relationship Policy consulting with pupils, parents and staff. 

• We use a GIRFEC approach using the SHANNARI indicators to ensure that our children and young people realise and strive to reach their full potential in a climate of respect and safety, placing an emphasis on the wellbeing of the child.

• Children and adults are valued, have a sense of belonging, feeling safe, secure.

• Positive relationships are imperative to our practice between all members of our school community.

• We believe in creating a positive school culture and climate that fosters connection, inclusion, respect and value for all members of the school community.

• Pupils are provided with clear and concise expectations of their behaviour in ways that are appropriate to their age and developmental stage.

•  We believe that ‘all behaviour is communication’ and take time to understand what the child is trying to communicate.

• We aim for equity over equality. Being ‘fair’ is not about everyone getting the same (equality) but about everyone getting what they need (equity). We differentiate in relation to behaviour.

• Behaviour is a form of communication.  We encourage all adults in schools to respond in a way that focuses on the feelings and emotions that might drive certain behaviour, rather than the behaviour itself.

• We understand that displayed behaviour is often the ‘tip of the iceberg’ and we should support children in managing the emotion that has caused their behaviour.

• We promote the use of Emotion Coaching.

• We use Restorative Conversations where there has been conflict in a relationship.