Quality Circle Time
Quality Circle Time (QCT) is a democratic and creative approach used to support teachers and other professionals in managing a range of issues that affect the whole learning community. Teaching staff, children, support staff, parents and governors can all be actively involved. QCT has proved successful in promoting better relationships and helps with positive behaviour management, two of the most effective improvements to both learning and the smooth and harmonious running of a school.
The QCT model involves a commitment from schools to set up an ongoing process of circle time meetings for adults and children, at which the key interpersonal and organisational issues that affect school development can be addressed. The sessions for children may be linked to the PSHE curriculum, and often consist of weekly meetings lasting half an hour where children sit in a facilitated circle and engage in circle time games and other circle time activities.
QCT meetings for children involve creative circle time activities, circle games and the practice of speaking and listening skills, rounds and structured debates. .
There are several key elements in the Whole School QCT Model, namely:
- Improving the morale and self-esteem of staff
- Listening systems for children and adults
- The Golden Rules: a system of behavioural rules for children
- Incentives: a weekly celebration to congratulate the children for keeping the Golden Rules
- Sanctions: the partial withdrawal of the Golden Time incentive
- Lunchtime Policy
Without doubt at the heart of the Quality Circle Time model is Jenny Mosley's circle time. With pacey and planned circle time activities and circle time games, pupils can gain experiential practice at communication and social skills, problem solving and other social and emotional competencies. Circle time is very popular with children, giving them a break from academic work and working on many crucual skills through the circle time activities.
Whilst working with the whole Quality Circle Time model with Jenny's whole-school approach is the most effective way forward in our opinion, many organisations choose aspects of the model to work on. Our lunchtimes and playtimes projects are really popular and Jenny can come in and provide consultation and training to completely re-vamp lunchtimes and playtimes. Its your choice! Phone us to ask more about our training and projects 01225 767157 or email email@example.com
For all other enquiries, please telephone us on 01225 767157 or email: firstname.lastname@example.org
The basics of Circle Time
What is Circle Time?
Circle Time provides valuable opportunities for pupils to practice speaking and listening, social, turn-taking and team-building skills whilst being an enjoyable and uplifting part of the school day or week.
What is it for?
What is Circle Time for?
Circle Time provides opportunities for children and young people to learn how to listen, interact, speak, watch and participate. They do this by having regular Circle Time sessions and by carrying out enjoyable and age-appropriate Circle Time activities. With the development of these skills comes further opportunities to work on positive behaviour and increasing self-esteem and understanding.
Who can use It ?
Quality Circle Time is used extensively in primary schools, however it is popular in early years settings too and is used sometimes (but not often enough in our opinion!) in secondary education. Jenny's Golden Schools also have circle times for staff - some circles to include including
Where & when can it be used ?
The QCT model has been successfully implemented in a wide variety of settings from Early Years and special settings to secondary. It is most commonly found in primary setting, however, and its strengths support all pupils and staff.
We cannot just 'teach' children moral values or valuable skills such as speaking, listening, teamwork and problem-solving - they have to be involved enough to experience them. All the games and exercises are designed to build up a sense of class community.