LEADERSHIP
Everyone a leader, everyone a learner
At Long Lane we pride ourselves in the personal development opportunities that we provide for our pupils. This not only builds confidence and instills belonging but our leadership programme also supports and provides a great role model for our younger children.
We have established a programme of leadership that requires pupils to be responsible and good role models, as well as take risks, take initiative and really own and develop their roles.
There are aspects of leadership all over the school and in Year 5 the children take part in a formal leadership programme (The Playmaker Award) in preparation for their main leadership roles in Year 6. Anyone can get involved in leading in some way at Long Lane.
Leadership Roles in Year 6
In Year 6, following the successful leadership sports programme in Year 5, children apply for positions of responsibility. They undertake training to lead the school in their roles and understand that each are as important as each other. Alongside House Captains and Reading Ambassadors, there are a host of other positions for children to take up that match their skill set.
There are lots of opportunities throughout the year for them to experience and develop these leadership skills and be better role models to the younger children. Younger children are inspired by this and this not only brings a sense of belonging and achievement to school but means that leadership is valued by all at Long Lane.
Leadership roles in Year 6
PLAY LEADERS
Our play leaders are at the heart of our lunchtime and break times – playing games with all the children (they run the PLG) and teaching children how to play well and build teamwork. They also hold responsibility for opening the sheds of equipment.
READING AMBASSADORS
Our reading ambassadors are made up of mixed ability volunteers who support the younger children in the school by reading to them and hearing them read. They have devised their own questions to support the development of reading and are fully trained by staff for this role. They read once a week with selected pupil's from Year 2 and Year 3.
LUNCH BUDDIES
These leaders support Mrs Syrad with her lunchtime jobs. They have responsibility for supporting in the hall during lunchtime and aspects of the play outside too.
HOUSE CAPTAINS
House Captains are the leaders of each of our houses — Griffin, Phoenix, Dragon and Unicorn. They plan and deliver our Friday whole school learning assemblies and support other house sports events, planning other initiatives where pupils can join in friendly competition or fun within their houses. They are also responsible for collecting housepoints.
TECH SUPPORT
In this role the children are responsible for supporting the adults with tech during their assemblies everyday. They also can be called upon to ensure that laptops and other tech are working as they should and support all classes with this.
SCIENCE TECHNICIANS
Science technicians are responsible for setting up and resourcing Science experiments. They are led by Mrs Mowbray (our resident Scientist) and are fantastic at finding resources. They can be booked by any teachers or classes and are always willing to help.
SPORTS AMBASSADORS
Our Sports Ambassadors also have their own club called 'Energy Club'. They play sports and friendly competitions at lunchtime and support children of all ages. They even devise rewards and certificates for those who have shown great teamwork, determination or used the 'Secrets of Success'. These are awarded during our Friday assemblies. This group of leaders are also key holders to the sports shed.
RAINBOWS BUDDIES
Some of our children are particularly good at supporting our newest children in the Rainbow class. These leaders use a range of skills to support play, help with crafts and early writing and reading skills.
Year 5 Playmaker Award
Our children have a great love of sports and games and this programme is a great opportunity for all pupils to learn about how to lead well.
On this course (as part of PE lessons) the children will plan and deliver games and sporting activities for younger children across the school. They learn skills such as; communication, adaptability, respect, teamwork, humility and many other qualities.
This course is both beneficial to the pupils accessing it but also to the younger children who benefit from a mentoring role from their peers. These skills are also evident in their respectful and nurturing play with all ages (our children play with all year groups mixed).
School Council
Representatives from Year 2 to Year 6
We are really proud to be able to provide our chidren with opportunities to add value to the school community through pupil voice where they can support each other and make a positive difference to their own school. Through this process pupils across the school act as representatives to their classes, gathering pupil voice, choosing areas for improvement and development and working with the Headteacher and other stakeholders to realise these.
Year 5 & 6 Lunchtime Clubs
We plan and deliver clubs for any children at lunchtime
We believe at Long Lane that children should be given the freedom and responsibility to experience using their initiative, planning and other leadership skills in ways in which are directed by them. Therefore our Y5 and 6 children can apply to run a club for other children at lunchtimes. Each club is planned and delivered by the children with an adult mentor for support.
This has been not only a great opportunity for the children in developing their leadership skills but also provides a variety of experiences for our younger children as well. Some of the clubs we have run are; Stone painting, Arts and Crafts, American Football, Energy Club, Karaoke Club, Games club. The children always blow us aways with their maturity and trustworthy attitude.
Well-being Ambassadors
Anyone can be a Well-being Ambassador
Our well-being ambassadors are amazing role models for friendship and mentoring. Anyone can become a 'Well-being Ambassador'. All you need is a willingness to support children of all ages who might want someone to play with. These children lead through humility and compassion and play with others who may not feel confident in play or who are feeling a little lonely. They set up activities in our 'Rainforest Room' and make sure that everyone feels supported and has a friend.
Charitable & fundraising leadership
Anyone is welcome to try it!
Our children are good citizens outside school also. They really care about their community and wider issues around the world. We encourage the children to plan charitable events and fundraisers for a number of causes or to support the school.
From the point of idea, the children will plan and deliver their own charitable events to raise money for many charities or for the school or a club that they would like to start. Even their families get involved in supporting them and this makes it a real community event. We have had cake sales, colouring competitions, games on the playground and many other ideas.
"Two of our Year 5 children decided that they wanted to start an American football club. They asked me to buy them some American footballs. I challenged them to find a way to raise the money for their club's resources. They held a colouring competition with prizes they had made. They raised over £80, bought their American footballs and held a successful club."
(Mrs Allison)