Circle Time at Unity Academy is a teaching strategy which allows the teacher to explore issues of concern. Also, it allows children to explore and address issues which concern them. It provides a structured mechanism for solving problems, in which all participants have an equal footing.

Relationships between our children can be difficult at times. They have yet to develop the social, emotional and communication skills that will help them negotiate relationships as adults.

It aims to give them tools to engage with and listen to each other.

It’s often used as an opportunity to solve problems that are affecting the class, for example too much talking during lessons, or someone being picked on.

The whole class takes part in Circle Time at the same time, usually led by their teacher, who sits in the circle with their pupils.

At Unity we have decided that our children need some nourishment in the mornings and so therefore have embedded toast into this time of the day.  Often eating together helps you to feel safe and secure and encourages you to talk openly and positively.

The circle encourages unity, respect, turn-taking and working together towards a shared vision.

It also helps children work on five key skills, without which Circle Time doesn’t work: thinking, listening, looking, speaking and concentrating.

Children and young people both within early years and primary school settings who take part in The Daily Mile can experience various health and wellbeing benefits and improved outcomes, including:

• reduced anxiety and stress
• improved cognition
• improved fitness and energy levels
• greater concentration levels in class
• improved wider health outcomes

At Unity Academy our focus is to support children to regulate their own emotions and manage all areas of their lives in a calm and purposeful manner.  To support this mindfulness is a key part of our curriculum.

Mindfulness for children has several benefits, including:

1. Emotional regulation

Mindfulness encourages children to notice their feelings without immediate reaction. This awareness creates a space between feeling an emotion and responding to it, which can be particularly helpful in managing anger or frustration. Over time, this practice can foster a deeper understanding and ability to manage emotions.

2. Focus and concentration

In a world full of distractions, having the skills to focus has never been more important. Mindfulness practices can help children to quiet their minds, pay attention to a single task at hand, and enhance their concentration. This can help them at school, where they’re learning and navigating relationships outside the home.

3. Stress reduction

Children can experience stress, whether from schoolwork, peer interactions, or family dynamics. Mindfulness practices such as mindful breathing for kids can help reduce stress by promoting a relaxed state of mind throughout their day-to-day experiences.

4. Enhanced self-awareness and empathy

As children become more aware of their own thoughts and feelings, they often develop a greater understanding and empathy toward the feelings of others. This can lead to improved relationships with peers, siblings, and parents.

5. Improved sleep

With a calm and clear mind, falling asleep can become a much easier task. Mindfulness practices can help children unwind, clear their minds of worry, and prepare for a restful night’s sleep.

6. Increased resilience

Life is full of ups and downs. Mindfulness helps children build a buffer against adversities by cultivating a resilient mindset. When practiced regularly, it can help children bounce back from challenges with a more positive outlook.

7. Overall wellbeing

By promoting a sense of calm, boosting focus, and enhancing emotional regulation, mindfulness lays a strong foundation for a balanced and positive life.

At Unity we run a Nurture Group provision for all of our children as they all display and have SEMH needs.

Our nurture group intervention is led by trained and experienced staff following the nurture group model.  The group is a discrete class within our school attended by groups of children for part of the school day. The room is typically furnished to resemble both a home and school environment, with time spent within the setting intended to be slow-moving, routinised, repetitive, and predictable, featuring ‘domestic’ activities, such as eating breakfast together, as well as activities that allow the children to develop the social, emotional, and cognitive skills that underpin the National Curriculum (Boxall, 2002). A great emphasis is placed on the adults ‘modelling’ positive social and emotional skills, such as behaving cooperatively, sharing, resolving differences politely, and supporting others (Bennathan & Boxall, 2012).

The two studies that reported on Nurture Groups, which adhere to the classic model, found evidence that Nurture Group provision is effective at reducing SEMH difficulties in children. Both O’Connor and Colwell (2002) and Seth-Smith et al. (2010) found significant changes in children’s Boxall Profile scores

Drumba is an exhilarating and innovative fusion of drumming and fitness that aims to inspire all children, regardless of their ability, to participate and have fun in exercise! This engaging activity invites children to bang on drums while following energetic routines, seamlessly blending music with movement. The rhythmic experience creates an environment where every child can feel included and enthusiastic about physical activity.

The emphasis is not solely on performance, but rather on enjoyment, fostering a sense of community among children as they drum together. This dynamic approach supports positive individual development in both body and mind, ensuring that children build confidence and improve their physical fitness in a lively and enjoyable manner. Through Drumba, children learn the value of teamwork and cooperation, as they synchronise their drumming with peers, cultivating social skills while having a blast! The infectious energy of the sessions ignites a passion for exercise and rhythm!

Drumba transforms exercise into a joyful experience, inspiring children to embrace healthy habits that will last a lifetime. So let’s make some noise Unity, feel the rhythm, and celebrate the joy of movement together!

     Social skills time is an essential part of our curriculum offer.  Many of our children struggle in unstructured times and need adults to model positive ways to play alongside and with peers.

• Modeling Behavior: staff demonstrate positive social interactions, such as active listening and empathy, to teach children how to engage with others effectively. 

• Encouraging Play: Engaging in group and paired activities allows children to practice their social skills in a natural setting, helping them learn cooperation and teamwork. 

• Providing Guidance: Teaching children how to handle conflicts, share and express their feelings can enhance their social competence and confidence. 

In summary, social skills are foundational for children's development, influencing their ability to connect with others, succeed academically and maintain emotional health throughout their lives. By nurturing the social skills we are hopeful that our children can thrive and return to mainstream settings.

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At The Rivers C. of E. Academy Trust, we believe education should be inspiring and empowering. My Extraordinary Experiences (MEE) is our exciting programme of enrichment for pupils, fostering personal development and providing an extraordinary education to every pupil.  

What is MEE? 

MEE is our enrichment programme providing all pupils, from Reception to the end of their first/primary school education, with the opportunity to complete twenty special activities.  

MEE aligns closely with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. MEE supports this goal by providing all pupils with access to enriching activities that enhance their personal development and learning experiences.   

By integrating these activities into the curriculum, MEE ensures that every child can thrive, fostering a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom and into their future lives. 

At Unity, we believe that teaching life skills is just as important as academic learning. That’s why all our children take part in weekly cooking sessions. These hands-on experiences not only help pupils develop practical skills like measuring, following instructions and understanding nutrition, but also build confidence, teamwork and independence. Cooking encourages creativity, supports healthy lifestyle choices and gives children a real sense of achievement as they enjoy the results of their hard work. It’s a fun and valuable way to prepare them for life beyond the classroom.

At Unity, we are proud to offer weekly Forest School sessions for all children. These special outdoor lessons take place in nature and give children the chance to explore, play, and learn in the fresh air. Forest School helps children build confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while having fun with sticks, mud, trees, and more! It also helps them feel calm and happy, and teaches them to care for the environment. Every child gets to enjoy the magic of learning outside, whatever the weather!