BEHAVIOUR, ATTENDANCE & WELLBEING
Supporting Young People to Feel Safe, Settled and Ready to Learn
At Fast Forward School, behaviour, attendance and wellbeing are closely linked. The school aims to create a calm, respectful and supportive environment where learners feel safe, valued and able to take part in school life. Expectations are clear, but support is always shaped around the needs of the individual, with reasonable adjustments in place where needed.
NURTURING POSITIVE CONDUCT
Positive Behaviour with the Right Support
Fast Forward believes that all learners are entitled to a safe, respectful and inclusive learning environment. Young people are expected to engage positively, follow instructions, treat others with respect and behave in a way that keeps themselves and others safe. At the same time, staff recognise that behaviour can sometimes be a form of communication, especially for learners with SEMH or communication needs, so support is practical, consistent and personalised.
The school uses clear routines, simple expectations and consistent approaches across the day. Support may include calm spaces, sensory tools, movement breaks, trusted adults, mentoring and individual strategies to help learners regulate and succeed.
ATTENDANCE MATTERS
Good Attendance is an Important Part of Progress, Confidence and Belonging.
Fast Forward has high expectations for attendance and punctuality, while recognising that some learners may face additional barriers which need the right support and reasonable adjustments. The whole-school attendance target is 95%, and attendance is monitored closely so that concerns can be identified early and support can be put in place.
The school works with parents, carers and outside professionals to understand the reasons behind absence and help young people attend successfully. This may include flexible support, phased reintegration and targeted pastoral input where needed.
OUR APPROACH
Wellbeing and Pastoral Support
Fast Forward places strong importance on emotional wellbeing. Daily routines are designed to support learners through structure, regular breaks and guided reflection at the end of the day. The school also uses mentoring, check-ins and pastoral support to help young people manage anxiety, build resilience and feel ready to learn.
Wellbeing is also supported through the wider curriculum, including PSHE and preparation for adulthood, helping learners develop confidence, healthy routines, personal safety awareness and positive relationships.
ZERO-TOLERANCE
Anti-Bullying
Fast Forward has a zero-tolerance approach to bullying. All learners have the right to feel safe and supported in school, and any concerns about bullying, including cyberbullying, are taken seriously. Staff are trained to recognise concerns, respond appropriately and make sure follow-up support is put in place. Parents and carers can report concerns directly to the school by phone, email or in person.
Fast Forward works closely with parents and carers to support positive behaviour, improve attendance and promote wellbeing. Regular communication helps the school and home work together to understand barriers, agree strategies and support each young person in making progress.
For more detailed information, please view our Behaviour Policy, Attendance Policy, Anti-Bullying Policy and Safeguarding Page.