Behaviour and Culture

At Links Academy, we are dedicated to creating a purposeful and supportive environment where every student can flourish, regardless of their individual challenges. Our therapeutic approach to behaviour management focuses on understanding and addressing the underlying causes of behaviour, rather than simply managing the visible outcomes of behavioural difficulty. However, there are clear boundaries and expectations that all students are expected to meet, and these will be made very clear at the induction stage. Should students fail to meet these expectations the school will use appropriate educational and behavioural consequences to support the learning and safety of all students.

We are proud to foster a culture of pro-social, positive behaviours, built on the core character values of respect, resilience, and responsibility. These values are central to everything we do, shaping our interactions and creating a school environment where students feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. Through the consistent modelling and teaching of appropriate behaviours, we help students build the confidence and skills they need to thrive both in school and beyond.

A Therapeutic and Individualised Approach

We understand that behaviour is a form of communication, and we work closely with students to uncover and address the root causes of their challenges. By identifying and breaking down barriers to learning—whether academic, emotional, or social—we enable our students to overcome obstacles and thrive. Our team of specialist staff provides tailored support, ensuring every student feels safe, valued, and understood.

Developing Self-Regulation and Moderation

A key part of our approach is helping students to develop the skills of moderation and self-regulation. We teach students how to recognise and manage their emotions, make considered decisions, and maintain self-control in challenging situations. These skills not only improve their ability to engage in learning but also prepare them for life beyond the classroom.

Building Character Through Values

Character development is at the heart of our ethos, alongside academic progress. By instilling the core values of respect, resilience, and responsibility, we aim to equip students with the tools they need to build positive relationships, navigate difficulties, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. These values underpin every aspect of school life, fostering a culture of mutual respect and continuous growth.

Teaching and Modelling Positive, Pro-social Behaviours

We believe that positive, pro-social behaviours can be taught and cultivated over time. Staff at Links Academy serve as role models, demonstrating and reinforcing constructive actions and interactions. Through structured lessons and daily interactions, we explicitly teach social, emotional, and behavioural skills to ensure students are equipped to manage their education and personal development successfully.

High Expectations in a Supportive Environment

We maintain high expectations for behaviour and learning, recognising that a calm, structured, and welcoming environment benefits the entire school community. Positive behaviour is consistently celebrated to build confidence and motivation. Achievements are recognised through verbal praise, ‘tokens’, postcards home, rewards trips and phone calls to share success stories with families. Behaviour is monitored very closely by all staff, both in and outside of the classroom. We use a paper and electronic tracking system (Green Cards) and Arbor to record both positive and negative behaviours. Green cards are weekly reports all our students carry with them for us to track their behaviours in class. These will be shared with parents and carers at the end of the week.

Sensitive and Supportive Responses to Challenges

When behaviour falls short of expectations, we respond with sensitivity and understanding. Each incident is approached as an opportunity to learn and grow, with a focus on understanding the root causes and implementing personalised strategies for improvement. At Links Academy, every day is seen as a fresh start, giving students the chance to rebuild relationships and make positive progress.

Working in Partnership with Families

We place great value on the role of parents and carers in supporting students’ personal development and success. By fostering open and regular communication, we ensure families are actively involved in their child’s journey. Whether through in-person meetings, phone calls, or email updates, we are committed to working together to help students overcome challenges and achieve their potential.

At Links Academy, we believe in the power of relationships, the importance of character, and the potential of every student. By addressing the causes of behaviour, fostering self-regulation, and promoting growth in all areas, we create a strong foundation for lifelong success and well-being.