Investors in Pupils | Cottesbrooke Infant & Nursery School

⭐ Investors in Pupils at Cottesbrooke

We are proud to be an Investors in Pupils school — recognised nationally for our commitment to pupil voice, participation, and personal development.

Cottesbrooke Infant & Nursery School first achieved the Investors in Pupils Quality Mark in 2017, and we’ve been reaccredited in both 2020 and 2022. This award reflects our belief that children thrive when they feel listened to, valued and involved in all aspects of school life.

🎓 What is Investors in Pupils?

Investors in Pupils is a national quality mark that celebrates schools where pupils are active participants in:

Learning and self-evaluation
Behaviour and relationships
Attendance and motivation
School and classroom management
Induction and welcome of new pupils

The award helps build children’s confidence, character and resilience, while supporting key areas such as PSHE, SMSC development, British Values, and children’s rights.

Over 500 schools across the UK have achieved the award, with many choosing to reaccredit — just like us.

🗣️ Pupil Voice in Action

At Cottesbrooke, we regularly ask our children about their experiences in school. Recently, Mr Loughlin and members of our governing body met with pupils across Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 to ask:

Q: What do you like about school?
“I like the teachers because they are kind.”
“Playing with my friends at break.”
“The climbing frame!”
“The library.”
“My teacher.”

Q: How would you make school better?
“A swimming pool!”
“Tidier.”
“Harder work.”
“More good behaviour.”

Q: What’s your favourite lesson?
“PE – because I can move and imagine.”
“Phonics – I’m really clever at it!”
“Maths – learning new things.”
“Art – making fun stuff.”

Q: Do you feel safe at school?
“Yes, because there are lots of teachers.”
“Yes, the building is safe.”
“I feel safe but I miss mummy sometimes.”

Q: Who would you talk to if you were worried?
“My teacher.”
“My friends.”
“Any grown-up.”

🗳️ Class Representatives

Every class elects an Investors in Pupils Representative. Children put themselves forward, give a short speech, and take part in a class vote — giving them first-hand experience of democracy in action.

These reps take part in meetings, gather feedback from classmates, and support whole-school projects.

💰 Learning About School Life

Our reps recently met with staff to learn about how much school equipment costs. They shared what they found out with their classes to help everyone understand why we look after resources carefully and respectfully.

British Values and Equality

We focus in school on being good citizens and supporting positive British Values and Equality. We focused on these ideas during a British Values and Equality Week.

🪩 Celebrating Success

Every week, we hold a Celebration Assembly where children receive certificates to recognise their achievements. These are also shared on ClassDojo so that the wider school community can celebrate too.

🎯🔑 Personal Targets

Each child chooses a personal target three times a year — one each term. These aren’t just academic goals; they can be about learning a life skill or something they’re proud to improve on (like riding a bike or learning to swim). Targets are shared with parents and displayed in class.

📝 Class Mission Statements & Induction Booklets

Every class creates a Mission Statement at the start of the year, based on the school’s ethos. These are displayed in classrooms and shared with visitors.

Each class also produces an Induction Booklet to welcome new pupils and showcase the learning environment, class staff, and what makes their class special.

💡 Links to PSHE and CUBS Values

The principles of Investors in Pupils are closely linked with our CUBS Values, our relational approach to behaviour, and our PSHE curriculum (Jigsaw). We focus on helping children feel a sense of belonging, responsibility and community — both in their classrooms and in the wider world.

We no longer use traffic light behaviour charts — instead, we use emotion coaching and restorative conversations to support emotional regulation and positive choices.

👑 Daily VIPs

Each day, two children per class are chosen as Investors in Pupils VIPs. These children wear a badge and act as positive role models, helping others and showing pride in our school values.

🎉 Staff Shout-Outs

It’s not just about the children! We also recognise the dedication of our amazing staff. Our Staff Shout-Out Board, displayed outside the staffroom, gives everyone the chance to say thank you to a colleague who’s made a difference.