Leadership skills allow children to have control of their lives and the ability to make things happen. Leadership instils confidence, and helps children solve problems creatively, work in a team, and work collaboratively with others. Leadership gives children many opportunities to develop responsibility. There is some debate whether some children are “born leaders” or they “learn to be” leaders. At Lawn we believe all children have the potential to develop leadership skills. Leadership development can be a lifelong process. As safe adults, both at home and at school, we can teach the skills necessary for children to take on leadership roles now and in the future. 

We have a range of responsibilities at Lawn that encourages the development of leadership skills in our young people. These include:

Leadership is also developed through our Global Curriculum. The learning that occurs through these topics allows the children to develop their voice, think creatively, problem solve, encourages responsibility, allows them to debate current topics and makes it clear that they have a part to play in society both now and in adulthood.

Our values are absolutely entwinned within our curriculum and are a daily part of conversation. By the children putting these values into action, they are in-turn develop their leadership skills.

Leadership Programmes providing additionality at Lawn Primary:

Year 4 Early Leadership Programme

Year 5 Real Leaders Programme

Year 6 Leadership Transition Programme

What is next?

As a response to stakeholders who were asked what aspect of Leadership and Child Development they would like for the modern world, the school will be delivering 'Money Heroes' from September 2023.

Please click on the link below to find out more, including parent resources.

Our children are the future leaders of the country. If leadership skills which instils confidence. is taught from an early age, it will give them the tools to make well-informed decisions

(Admin Team)

Preparing our children for the next stage in their educational journey must include the development of leadership skills

(Year 6 teacher)

WHAT CAN WE DO TOGETHER TO DEVELOP LEADERSHIP IN OUR YOUNG PEOPLE?

Model leadership behaviour to children. Children learn from seeing what others do. Tell the child what you are doing and why you are doing it.

Teach children how to see things from another’s point of view. Good communication is a key component to being an effective leader. Teach children how to listen carefully and how to respond to others in a calm and respectful way.

Help children build self-confidence. Give children opportunities to do a good job and offer praise when appropriate. You might say, “I am so proud of you that you volunteered to be the leader of the ‘toy clean up’ team in your classroom. It is a big job to make sure all your classmates are doing their part.”

Find ways to create problem solving situations. Children can learn how to solve their own problems. Allow children to start making small decisions such as which activity they want to participate in and then give them more opportunities to make decisions as they learn the concepts of responsibility and consequences of making a decision.

Give children the opportunity to take leadership roles in the home. Leadership opportunities can be at a school, place of worship, community or club. Children can also take a leadership roles within the home and at a family event.

Assist children to develop a plan or strategy to address a problem or situation. Children, as well as adults, shy away from leadership tasks because they feel overwhelmed. Show children how to break tasks into workable ways to get the job done. Is it a ‘red problem’ that needs adult intervention? Is it a ‘green problem’ and the child is good to go in finding a solution for themselves?

Promote Teamwork Leadership qualities in children are developed quickly through teamwork. Getting children to help with chores or letting them participate in team-based activities can accelerate the mastering of communication, social, problem-solving, and cooperation skills. Through teamwork, kids utilize their natural talents to accomplish a group goal. Working with others quickly reveals their natural aptitudes and areas they need to work on.

Volunteering Activities Volunteering gives kids a different perspective. Young ones are curious and inclined to ask many questions around the why, how, and what they can do to help. This sparks creative thinking around the solution to real-world problems. But more than that, it teaches children to be of service. Every great leader is focused on a people or cause. So, if you wonder how to raise a child to be a leader, teach them how to be of service to something apart from themselves.

Encourage perseverance. Give children the ability to persevere and overcome challenges is key to success in work and relationships. For example, children may struggle to grasp a concept or game but continue to play or study until they improve. Teaching children to keep trying and not just shoot for the win contributes to their future success. Perseverance is one of the most important leadership qualities for children to master, as it sets the foundation for all skill acquisition.