Personal Development at Barrow Hall- Every Child Flourishing Beyond the Classroom
Our school motto is ‘We are here to feel secure, be valued and to learn’. Personal development is how we make the first two parts of that motto true for every child, so they are ready to learn and ready for life beyond Barrow Hall.
We want our children to grow into confident, kind and responsible young people who understand themselves, respect others and know how to keep themselves safe and healthy. Everything on this page is guided by our four core values: Respect, Kindness, Positive Attitudes and Ambition.
This page brings together the many ways we support children’s personal development, both in lessons and across wider school life. Our Whole School Personal Development Plan sets out how all of this fits together across the school.
PSHE and RSHE
PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) and RSHE (Relationships, Sex and Health Education) are taught using 1decision, our PSHE platform. Children learn about feelings and wellbeing, relationships, keeping safe, online safety and healthy choices, building on their learning each year from EYFS to Year 6.
We want parents and carers to know exactly what their child is learning:
- PSHE Key Learning and Subject Overview: what children learn in each year group
-
https://www.barrowhall.co.uk/warrington/primary/barrowhall/site/pages/curriculum/psheandrshe how we teach PSHE and the free resources families can use at home
- 1decision Family Support Hub: activities and tips to explore the same topics at home
- RSHE Policy: including information on parents’ rights
Behaviour and Character: The Barrow Hall Way
The Barrow Hall Way sets out how we behave and treat each other. Children learn our ten behaviour rules when they start school, and these are reinforced every day.
Every Thursday, each class holds an in-class assembly. Children reflect on the Barrow Hall Way, celebrate something the class has done well that week and agree something to work on together.
As part of this assembly, children practise I-Statements, a simple way to talk about feelings calmly and solve problems without blaming others:
- When… (what happened)
- I felt… (the emotion)
- Because… (why)
- I would like… (what I need)
Read more on our Mission Statement, Vision and Values page. Our Behaviour Policy is on the Policies page.
SMSC and British Values
We help children develop spiritually, morally, socially and culturally, and we promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
Throughout the year, children mark important days, celebrations and awareness events from a wide range of cultures and faiths. These are set out in our SMSC calendar.
- SMSC Calendar 2026–2027
- Rights Respecting School
- School Council: pupils’ voice in school decisions
Collective Worship
Collective worship brings children together to reflect, share values and think about the world around them. Every Thursday, our in-class assembly ends with our school prayer.
Wellbeing and Mental Health
We want every child to feel emotionally safe and happy in school. Wellbeing is taught to all children and extra support is in place for those who need it.
MyHappyMind is our whole-school wellbeing programme. It helps children understand how their brains work, build resilience, confidence and self-esteem, and learn how to manage their emotions when things feel difficult. Find out more about myHappymind.
ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant): our ELSA, Mrs H. Lawrence, works with individual children and small groups on things like recognising emotions, self-esteem, friendships, managing big feelings, and loss and bereavement. Children can be referred by staff or at a parent’s request. Find out more about ELSA.
If you are worried about your child’s wellbeing, please speak to their class teacher or contact the school office. Families can also find support through our Early Help page.
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Pupil Leadership and Responsibility
Giving children responsibility helps build confidence, empathy and leadership skills. Pupils across the school can take on a range of leadership roles, most of them chosen by a closed class vote after candidates speak to their class.
|
Role |
Who can apply |
What they do |
How they are chosen |
Meets |
|
School Council |
2 per class in Y3–6, 1 per class in Y1–2 |
Work with the Headteacher to make our school an even better place and raise money for chosen charities |
Closed class vote after a short presentation |
Every 2–3 weeks |
|
Wellbeing Champions |
1 per class in Y1–6 |
Kind role models who look out for anyone lonely or upset, share their class’s wellbeing ideas and help others find a trusted adult |
Closed class vote after a short presentation |
Once a half term |
|
Digital Leaders |
1 per class in Y1–6 |
Work with the Computing Lead to promote safe, responsible and effective use of technology |
Closed class vote after a presentation or speech |
Once a half term, plus extra (e.g. Safer Internet Day) |
|
Eco Council |
1 per class in Y2–6 |
Help make the school and local community greener and more sustainable |
Closed class vote after a presentation, speech or poster |
Once a half term |
|
OPAL Play Detectives |
1 per class in Y3–6 |
Spot and photograph great play for the OPAL newsletter |
Letter or poster, chosen by the Play Team |
Mainly once a half term |
|
Rights Team |
Y5–6 pupils without another role |
Choose the Article of the Week and present it in Key Stage assemblies |
Anonymous class vote |
Weekly |
Enrichment and Wider Opportunities
We give children a wide range of experiences beyond the classroom so they can discover new interests, develop their talents and build confidence.
Above and Beyond: our planned programme of rich experiences that go beyond the curriculum, from visits and visitors to special events. These are carefully planned across each year group to support children’s personal development and their spiritual, moral, social and cultural growth. See our Above and Beyond Plan and newsletters.
OPAL Play: as an OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) school, all children have access to a wide range of activities at playtimes that promote creative, healthy and social play. Find out more about OPAL Play.
Outdoor Learning: children learn outside the classroom, building teamwork, resilience and a connection with nature. Find out more about Outdoor Learning.
After School Clubs: a range of clubs gives children the chance to try new activities and spend time with friends. See our After School Clubs.
Residentials: following feedback from our parent forums, we have refined our residential programme. Children now take part in three residentials during their time at Barrow Hall, each building independence, teamwork and confidence:
|
Year group |
Residential |
|
Year 2 |
Burwardsley |
|
Year 4 |
Condover Hall |
|
Year 6 |
Robinwood |
Keeping Safe
Children learn how to keep themselves safe, both in the real world and online, through PSHE lessons, assemblies and our Stay Safe Team. Advice for families is on our E-Safety page.
Contact
If you have any questions about personal development at Barrow Hall, please contact the school office.