In The Stour Federation we don’t just want our pupils to achieve academic success; we want them to build the character and confidence needed to navigate the wider world.

Leader in Me is a whole-school transformation programme based on the globally renowned 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Dr. Stephen Covey.  Rather than viewing leadership as a title reserved for a select few, Leader in Me operates on the premise: everyone can be a leader. It empowers our pupils by teaching them how to manage themselves, collaborate effectively with others, and take ownership of their own learning.

From Reception through to Year 6, our children will learn to embed these seven foundational habits into their daily school lives:

• Habit 1: Be Proactive – You’re in charge. Pupils learn that they choose their own actions, attitudes, and moods. They don't blame others when things go wrong; they focus on what they can control.
• Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind – Have a plan. Whether it's drafting a story in English or setting a personal reading goal, children learn to plan ahead and look at the bigger picture.
• Habit 3: Put First Things First – Work first, then play. This habit is all about prioritising. Pupils learn to spend time on the things that matter most, like finishing their classwork before heading out to the playground.
• Habit 4: Think Win-Win – Everyone can win. We encourage a culture of abundance, teaching children how to resolve conflicts so that all parties feel happy and respected.
• Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood – Listen before you talk. This is the secret to brilliant teamwork. Pupils practice active listening, trying to see things from their peers' perspectives before explaining their own.
• Habit 6: Synergize – Together is better. By valuing other people’s strengths and learning from them, our pupils discover that a team can achieve far more than one person acting alone.
• Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw – Balance feels best. True leaders look after themselves. This habit focuses on eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep, and spending time with family and friends.