Quality Circle Time
Jenny with kids and adults - arm in air
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 positive behaviour, 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 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 circle.
QCT meetings for children involve creative activities, 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
For sample resources, please see our "Freebies" section. For products to purchase, please see our on-line Circle Time shop. For further information on training, see "Things We Do".
For all other enquiries, please telephone us on 01225 767157 or email: circletime@jennymosley.co.uk
The basics of 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?
Quality Circle Time is to provide opportunities for children and young people to learn how to listen, interact, speak, watch and participate. 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.
The benefits
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.