R-Time at Willow Primary School

At Willow Primary School, R-Time is a key element of our personal development and behaviour curriculum. It supports pupils’ emotional wellbeing, social development, and positive behaviour while helping to create a calm, respectful, and inclusive learning environment.

Through structured paired activities, pupils develop essential communication, cooperation, and self-regulation skills that enable them to build positive relationships and succeed both academically and socially.

Intent

The intent of R-Time at Willow Primary School is to:

  • Develop pupils’ emotional literacy, resilience, and self-confidence
    • Promote positive behaviour and respectful relationships
    • Reduce conflict and support anti-bullying strategies
    • Strengthen cooperation, teamwork, and empathy
    • Support pupils’ mental wellbeing and personal development
    • Prepare pupils with essential life skills for modern Britain

R-Time is closely aligned with the school’s PSHE programme, safeguarding priorities, and wider school values.

Implementation

R-Time is delivered consistently across the school and follows a clear, structured model to ensure high-quality practice.

R-Time at Willow

Structure of R-Time Sessions

  1. Clear Expectations and Rules
    Staff establish clear routines and behaviour expectations to ensure a safe and purposeful learning environment.
  2. Random Partner Pairing
    Pupils are paired randomly to promote inclusion, equality, and positive social interaction with a wide range of peers.
  3. Meet and Greet
    Pupils practise polite communication and respectful social interaction.
  4. Structured Activity
    Pupils take part in short, focused activities designed to develop teamwork, communication, cooperation, and problem-solving skills.
  5. Reflection and Feedback
    Staff guide pupils to reflect on their learning and behaviour, reinforcing positive attitudes and emotional awareness.
  6. Positive Closure
    Sessions conclude with positive reinforcement, encouraging gratitude, respect, and mutual appreciation.

R-Time is delivered by trained staff and adapted to meet the needs of pupils with SEND and those requiring additional emotional or behavioural support.

Impact

The impact of R-Time at Willow Primary School is demonstrated through:

  • Improved behaviour and reduced incidents of conflict
    • Stronger peer relationships and improved social skills
    • Increased pupil confidence and emotional resilience
    • Improved emotional regulation and wellbeing
    • Positive attitudes towards learning
    • A calm and respectful school culture

Pupils show greater empathy, cooperation, and fairness and are better equipped to resolve disagreements constructively.

Safeguarding and Inclusion

R-Time supports safeguarding by helping pupils understand emotions, relationships, and appropriate boundaries. It promotes inclusion by ensuring all pupils feel valued, supported, and able to participate fully.

Monitoring and Evaluation

The effectiveness of R-Time is monitored through:

  • Behaviour and wellbeing data
    • Staff observations
    • Pupil voice
    • PSHE leadership monitoring
    • Senior leadership oversight

This ensures consistent delivery and continuous improvement across the school.

R-Time Additional Information
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