Behaviour Policy

POLICY STATEMENT

1. Definitions

For this Policy and procedures, a child, young person, pupil, or student is referred to as a ‘child’ or a ‘pupil’ and they are normally under 18 years of age.

Wherever the term ‘parent’ is used, this includes any person with parental authority over the child concerned, e.g., carers, legal guardians, etc.

Wherever the term ‘Head teacher’ is used, this also refers to any Manager with the equivalent responsibility for children.

2. Introduction

In their document ‘Behaviour in Schools – Advice for head teachers and school staff’, the Department for Education (DfE) have set out the legal powers and duties that govern behaviour and attendance in schools and explains how they apply to teachers, governing bodies, pupils, and parents.

Legislation requires that every school must have a Behaviour Policy. Good behaviour in schools is central to a good education. Managing behaviour successfully allows us to provide a calm, safe and supportive environment which children and young people want to attend and where they can learn and thrive. Being taught how to behave well and appropriately within the context they are in is vital for all pupils to succeed personally.

Our aim is to create an environment where positive behaviours are more likely by proactively supporting pupils to behave appropriately. Our pupils will be taught explicitly what good behaviour looks like although it is recognised that some pupils will need additional support to reach the expected standard of behaviour. Where this is required, we will identify individual support required and put this in place as soon as possible. In some cases, particularly when a pupil is persistently disruptive and support or sanctions are not deterring misbehaviour, further action may be needed. In serious instances, a pupil may need to be suspended or excluded. This will, however, be a last resort. Where suspension or exclusion is deemed absolutely necessary, we will make reference to the DfE guidance on School suspensions and permanent exclusions to ensure that these interventions are used appropriately. The school also has a Suspension and permanent exclusion Policy and procedures to which reference will be made where necessary.

In the event of a national Public Health Emergency, there may be situations where additional measures need to be introduced to reduce the risk of ill health as a result of the emergency. Where this is the case, the Governors may introduce an Addendum to this Policy and procedures in order to properly impose recommended control measures on the school community. The school community will be advised by the school in advance and prior to additional recommended measures being imposed.

Section 78 of the Education Act 2002 requires that the curriculum for a maintained school must promote the spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC), mental, and physical development of pupils at the school and of society which, in turn, prepares pupils at the school for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life. The school pays regard to the DfE Departmental advice for maintained schools ‘Promoting fundamental British values as part of SMSC in schools’.

The Governing Body of a maintained school is responsible for setting general principles that inform the Behaviour Policy and procedures. Governors must have a ‘Statement of Behaviour Principles’. (DfE – Statutory policies for schools and academy trusts). Detailed guidance for Governors is available in Behaviour and discipline in schools: guidance for governing bodies. In turn, the Head teacher must act in accordance with the Governors’ Statement of Behaviour Principles’ and have regard to any guidance provided by the Governors on promoting good behaviour in school. Head teachers are responsible for developing the Behaviour Policy and supporting procedures, based around the ‘Principles’ required by the Governing Body, and deciding the standard of behaviour expected of pupils at the school and how that standard will be achieved, the school rules, rewards for good behaviour and any disciplinary sanctions for breaking the rules.

School leaders have a crucial role to play in making sure all staff understand the behavioural expectations and the importance of maintaining them. We will actively engage with pupils, parents and staff on setting and maintaining the behaviour culture and an environment where everyone feels safe and supported. Our leaders will make sure that all new staff are inducted clearly into the school’s behaviour culture to ensure they understand its rules and routines and how best to support all pupils to participate in creating the culture of the school. Our leaders will also consider any appropriate training which is required for staff, both at induction and at regular intervals to meet their duties and functions within this Behaviour Policy.

In terms of staff and other adults, any person whose work brings them into contact with children including volunteers must follow the principles and guidance outlined in the school Code of Conduct for staff and other adults. In addition to this Code of Conduct, all employees engaged to work under Teachers’ Terms and Conditions of Employment have a statutory obligation to adhere to the Teachers’ Standards 2011 (updated 2013 and 2021) which set out the expectation that all teachers manage behaviour effectively to ensure a good and safe educational environment and requires teachers to have a clear understanding of the needs of all pupils.

Pupils deserve to learn in an environment that is calm, safe, supportive and where they are treated with dignity. To achieve this, every pupil should be made aware of the school behaviour standards, expectations, pastoral support, and consequence processes. Pupils will be asked about their experience of behaviour and given the opportunity to provide feedback on the school’s behaviour culture to help support the evaluation, improvement and implementation of the Behaviour Policy. Where the behaviour of pupils is deteriorating or becoming problematic, as well as reinforcing our behaviour expectations at every opportunity, additional support will be made available in the form of re-induction of rules, routines and expected standards of behaviour. Where necessary, extra support and induction will be provided for pupils who are mid-phase arrivals.

The procedures which support the school Behaviour Policy include measures to prevent all forms of bullying, harassment and intimidation among pupils.

This Policy and procedures should be read in conjunction with the following school Policies and procedures:

Overarching Safeguarding Statement
Health and Safety Policy and procedures
Online Safety Policy and procedures
Child Protection Policy and procedures
Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)
Whistleblowing procedures
Child on child abuse Policy and procedures
Supporting Pupils with Medical Conditions Policy and Procedures
Single Equality Scheme/Objectives
Special Educational Needs Policy/Information Report
Admissions Arrangements
Attendance Policy
Complaints procedure
Code of Conduct for Staff and other Adults
Educational Visits procedures (including procedures for assessing risk)
Risk Assessments (including Behaviour Management Plans)
Surveillance Camera Procedures (including CCTV) – can form part of the Data Protection Policy

Please click the link at the top to download the whole policy