At Malden Oaks we aim to create a positive atmosphere where all students feel safe, supported and able to learn. We create attachment aware, trauma informed therapeutic environments that are safe, inclusive and emotionally intelligent. Our approach is informed by our 4As ethos; that we can build resilience through ensuring our students develop a sense of attachment, enjoy achievement, are given the opportunity to be altruistic and are allowed to be autonomous.  We achieve this through the following key principles and beliefs:

• Behaviour is a communication of need.
• We operate under the 4As. They are Attachment, Altruism, Achievement and Autonomy. This means that we can build resilience through ensuring our students develop a sense of attachment, enjoy achievement, are given the opportunity to be altruistic and are allowed to be autonomous.
• Rewards & sanctions are externally imposed controls which seek to manipulate behaviour. We want our students to be autonomous and so: 
• We don’t use any sanctions. This includes detentions and suspensions
• We do not operate any rewards system. We do however recognise and celebrate achievement and progress. We do this through internal certificates and external schemes such as the AQA Unit Award Scheme and the Duke of Edinburgh Award. 
• We recognise and understand that everyone makes mistakes but we ensure that every day is a fresh start, with high expectations of what can be achieved on that day. We do not carry difficulties forward.
• We aim to establish and maintain positive relationships between all members of our community, so that there is a safe, purposeful atmosphere.
• Incidents will be resolved internally wherever possible. It may be that the support of parents and/or other professionals is enlisted to resolve more complex matters.
• We do not have a school uniform. This is partly because our students are with us for varying lengths of time and partly because we are preparing students for the next step of their education and/or training, when they will need to select their own appropriate clothing. The same applies to jewellery, make-up and hairstyles. We support our students being able to express themselves through how they choose to present. 
• Our school belongs to our students and to this end we will encourage students to be active participants in creating a safe, calm learning environment.