We aim to create a secure, friendly, caring environment in which each girl can develop confidence in herself and thrive as part of The Maynard community.

Creating an environment where each individual has their own niche, where everyone feels valued and where all members of the school community can thrive is at the heart of the Junior School ethos. An emphasis is placed on developing strong bonds between the class groups and across the whole school, with pupils expected to set an example that reflects the principles of compassion, cooperation, personal responsibility and helpfulness.

The class teacher has a crucial role in creating this dynamic and all of the children are given the opportunity to model this behaviour, whether it be leading a game in the playground each week as a Year 6 playground monitor, being part of the Student Council or Green Team, or as a Form Captain or Vice Captain, amongst many other opportunities. Right from the outset in Year 3, the students are expected to take on leadership and to develop confidence and self-belief by having an active role in the life of the school, such as organising stalls and events for the Craft Fair or Summer Fete, our extensive charitable work in the wider community, our support of and association with local organisations and businesses, as well as promoting the causes that are most important to them from Comic Relief to saving polar bears!

Breaks and lunchtimes are supervised by a dedicated member of staff and it is the policy of the Junior School to be proactive in creating the right atmosphere outside the classrooms to support the one inside. Building successful friendships is pivotal to girls' self-esteem and to their wider success at school and consequently is seen as a priority within the school.

We know from the vibrant Old Maynardian Society that the friendships made at The Maynard are ones that stay with the students for life.