Behaviour Policy

General Statement

Good behaviour and self-discipline are at the heart of a successful school. At Birches we aim to promote these qualities through a fair and consistent approach, which is clearly communicated to all the children. We aim to promote self-discipline by raising children's awareness of their own behaviour and the affect it may have on others. We endeavour to create a friendly but well-ordered and busy school where unacceptable behaviour is rare.

Aims

1. To value and appreciate one another irrespective of age, gender, creed or race and to acknowledge that everyone has a part to play within our school community.
2. To develop self-discipline, the ability to learn independently and work co-operatively.
3. To listen with respect to one another and be conscious never to damage another's self esteem.
4. To foster a caring attitude for the school environment, including the building, inside and outside areas, equipment and personal effects.

Pastoral Care and Discipline

The pastoral care of all pupils is shared by all teaching and non-teaching staff who work together in the everyday life of the school.

The class teacher accepts responsibility for the educational and pastoral progress of her children during the day.

Safety and the need to maintain a calm and peaceful working atmosphere are paramount.

A positive approach to good behaviour should recognise, reward and encourage it.

NB – In accordance with the Education Act 1986, corporal punishment will not be administered in county and voluntary controlled schools maintained by Staffordshire County Council Education Committee.

Golden Rules

The children are made aware of our 'Golden Rules':

1. We care for everything and everyone
2. We walk around school
3. We are polite
4. We tell the truth
5. We listen to others
6. We try our best
7. We work together

These rules are displayed in all classrooms with the children's names. They also form the pupil's part of our Home / School Agreement.

The Golden Rules are reinforced by all staff, as the basis for maintaining the school ethos and environment.

Parents - Home / School Agreement

Through close, regular contact with parents we build relationships based on trust, so that parents have confidence in the way we deal with behaviour issues. Parents can support the policy by:

• Reinforcing messages about appropriate behaviour
• Discussing the Golden Rules with their child
• Showing respect for staff and adults involved with the school
• Making time to discuss worries or concerns
• Listening to "both sides of a story" in the event of a problem
• Supporting behaviour strategies initiated by the school

Birches Home – School - Child Agreement identifies the key responsibilities of the school, the family and the child. This agreement supports the expectation of good behaviour by including the Golden Rules and emphasising the need to work together.

Encouraging Good Behaviour - Rewards

The most important reward for a child is praise. To become an active, motivated learner children need to know that their efforts and achievements are recognised and valued. Rewards used should be:

• immediate
• small but attainable
• cumulative
• co-operative
• pleasing

Rewards used can include:

• complimentary remarks
• private praise and encouragement
• written comments on work
• stickers on work
• stickers to wear
• lunchtime stickers
• Headteacher awards
• classroom reward chart
• special activities
• weekly merit certificates – 4 per class
• weekly gold star pupil awards
• Star of the School
• class of the week award
• termly Special Achievement Awards – 4 per class awarded for:
1. Following the Golden Rules
2. Effort and Improvement
3. English
4. Mathematics

When giving rewards to children they should always understand why they have achieved it. Special Merits should be photocopied and included in their Record of Achievement.

Unacceptable Behaviour - Sanctions

All children know that behaviour which does not abide by the Golden Rules is unacceptable. Be consistent in the way sanctions are used. Remember that it is the behaviour that is unacceptable, not the child and we must maintain his/her self esteem. Therefore when disciplining a child:

• check that the child understands what he/she is in trouble for
• establish that he/she knows why the behaviour was unacceptable
• explore with him/her the affect that the behaviour has on others
• examine strategies for avoiding a repeat of the situation

Behaviour that will not be tolerated includes:

• bullying
• harassment (racial or other)
• name calling
• vandalism
• rudeness
• bad language
• fighting
• intimidation
• theft

Poor behaviour is rare at Birches and generally a verbal reminder by the class teacher is enough to have the desired affect. However, if a child persistently misbehaves or causes a serious problem the following sanctions may be used:

• asking an Assistant Headteacher to speak with the child
• asking the Headteacher to speak with the child
• temporary isolation – time out
• withdrawal of privileges
• recording the incident in the behaviour book – up to 3 times before parents are involved
• informing parents immediately if the incident is serious
• using a behaviour diary – with home support

If a child's behaviour proves to be very problematic the LA Behaviour Support Team can be involved.

Exclusion

The ultimate sanction for unacceptable behaviour, which is of a very serious nature, is exclusion. In such circumstances the Governing Body would be informed and the LA Procedures for Exclusion from School followed.

Monitoring and Evaluation

In order to assess the success of the policy we will:

• discuss issues relating to the policy regularly at staff meetings
• keep records of incidents other than of a minor nature
• make observations around school
• record parent feedback
• seek School Council feedback
• involve governors
• involve lunchtime supervisors

Evaluation outcomes from monitoring procedures will be used to support improvement in Area 5 (Personal Development and Wellbeing), of the School Development Plan.

Documents and Guidance
Anti-bullying Policy - Birches First School
SEN and Inclusion Policy - Birches First School
Exclusion Procedures - LA
The Management of Pupil Behaviour - LA
Behaviour Support Plan - LA
Social Inclusion: Pupil Support - DfE
Unacceptable Pupil Behaviour - NUT

Updated – Oct 2012 Agreed by Governors – Nov 2012