The Essex Schools' Award Scheme - valuing the school community.

To gain the award schools must show how it meets certain targets such - as how it values members of the whole school community and promotes positive behaviour strategies.

One of the first tasks for schools is to survey staff, pupils and parents about what they like about the school and what they think needs improving. As a result many schools are now working on dozens of exciting new ideas to make everyone's time in school even better. For example, schools have developed pupil councils which have their own budgets, message boxes for young pupils to report worries and concerns, whole school behaviour policies and reward systems, peer mentoring systems, effective anti-bullying strategies etc. They have also shared innovative ideas such as The Cleaners' Cup for the tidiest classroom and imaginative fundraising projects with parents.

The first Award ceremony last year, saw four schools winning the prestigious award. This year more than double this number have been honoured. The Scheme is now so popular it has grown from 11 schools taking part to over 60 with even more wanting to join and show everyone how its community is safe, happy, effective, valued and respected.

The following schools have achieved the award.

• Mildmay Infant and Nursery School
• St Peters High School
• Tany's Dell Community Primary School
• The Hayward School
• Chelmer Valley High School
• Dunmow Junior CE School
• Felmore Infant School
• Glebe Junior School and Unit for Hearing Impaired
• John Ray Infant School
• Moulsham Junior School
• Oakfield Primary School
• Powers Hall Junior School and Speech and Language Unit

If you would like to know more about the Essex Schools' Award Scheme then contact:

Val Scott
Special Educational Needs and Psychology Service
PO Box 47
Chelmsford CM2 6WN United Kingdom
Tel: 0044 (0)1245 436389
Email: val.scott@essexcc.gov.uk