Behaviour and Discipline Policy (Including Early Years Foundation Stage)

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1 Behaviour and Discipline Policy (Including Early Years Foundation Stage) Introduction It is the School s declared intention to try to help each child grow in a healthy and balanced way, with the emphasis on a happy, confident and productive childhood. To this end, the School operates a Rewards and Sanctions Policy which is designed to reinforce positive behaviour, and to teach the need to minimise, and hopefully eradicate, negative and anti-social behaviour. In line with Section 131 of the Schools Standards and Framework Act 1998, corporal punishment of pupils is prohibited by law and is therefore forbidden. The Old Hall School does not permit corporal punishment during any activity whether on or off the school premises. The Old Hall School is fully committed to ensuring that the application of this Behaviour and Discipline Policy is non-discriminatory in line with the UK Equality Act (2010) in respect of safeguarding and in respect of pupils with Special Educational Needs (See Equal Opportunities Policy). 1 Aims and expectations 1.1 It is a primary aim of our school that every member of the school community feels valued and respected, and that each person is treated fairly and well. We are a caring community, whose values are built on mutual trust and respect for all. The school s behaviour policy is therefore designed to support the way in which all members of the school can live and work together in a supportive way. It aims to promote an environment where everyone feels happy, safe and secure. 1.2 The school has a number of rules, (Golden Rules & Guidance) but our behaviour policy is not primarily concerned with rule enforcement. It is a means of promoting good relationships, so that people can work together with the common purpose of helping everyone to learn. This policy supports the school community in aiming to allow everyone to work together in an effective and considerate way. 1.3 The school expects every member of the school community, right from Reception through to Year 6, to behave in a considerate way towards others. 1.4 We treat all children fairly and apply this behaviour policy in a consistent way. 1.5 This policy aims to help children grow in a safe and secure environment, and to become positive, responsible and increasingly independent members of the school community. 1.6 The school rewards good behaviour, as it believes that this will develop an ethos of kindness and cooperation. This policy is designed to promote good behaviour, rather than merely deter anti-social behaviour. 1.7 It is important to recognise the differing stages of development that children in the Early Years Foundation Stage to the end of KS2 may be at, and the different factors that affect

2 children s behaviour, in order to employ a range of strategies to use. Strategies may encompass distraction, discussion, praise, individual adult support in certain tasks or situations, for example. It is recognised that after trying positive methods, sanctions may also be necessary. 2 Golden Rules & Guidance 2.1 We have six general rules to promote the happiness and safety of everyone at The Old Hall School. We call these our Golden Rules. Golden Rules Do be gentle. Do be kind, polite and helpful. Do work hard. Do look after property. Do listen to people. Do be honest. We also have a guidance section which highlights the behaviour we expect. Guidance It is expected that all pupils at The Old Hall School will: Aim to give their best in all that they do. Be helpful and polite to staff, visitors and each other. Listen carefully and speak to others using appropriate language. Walk sensibly and quietly on the left when inside the school building. Know what to do if they or anybody else is being teased or bullied. Be modest in victory or success and gracious in defeat or disappointment. Class teachers regularly discuss the Golden Rules & Guidance with each class and examples of exemplary behaviour are constantly commented upon, including during assembly time In addition to the Golden Rules & Guidance, each Upper School class also has its own classroom code, which is created and agreed by the children. This is displayed on the wall in the classroom. In this way, every child in the school knows the standard of behaviour that we expect in our school. If there are incidents of anti-social behaviour, the class teacher discusses these with the whole class during P.S.H.E. time. The Headmaster regularly discusses his expectations for high standards of personal conduct in assembly and this is reinforced by the teachers in the period immediately following such assembly discussions. 2.2 Personal Appearance Dress All uniform and sportswear must comply with the published clothing list, be labelled and kept in a state of good repair.

3 Hair Boys hair should be of reasonable length, both for smartness and for ease of maintenance. It should be no shorter than a Number 4 clipper length, and no longer than the nape of the neck. It should not be dyed, streaked or gelled. Eccentric styles should not be adopted e.g. flat tops, Mohicans or tramlines. Girls hair may be long, provided that it is tied back for tidiness and for safety. It should not be dyed or streaked; it should not be beaded; and it should not have attachments such as false braids. Hair bands and accessories, such as bobbles, slides etc may be worn but must be in school colours. Jewellery We feel that it is simpler, less likely to cause problems and more generally in keeping with the aims and ethos of the school if no jewellery of any kind is worn by pupils during the school day. The exceptions to this rule are small objects of religious or ethnic significance. We ask the children to remove these objects during PE and games, or to cover them with a plaster. If you wish your child to have pierced ears, we respectfully suggest that it is done immediately when the Summer Term ends, to allow sufficient time for the holes to become permanent before returning to school. Make-up or nail varnish of any kind should not be worn at school. Children will be asked to remove nail varnish and make-up immediately if they do not adhere to this regulation. 2.3 Health & Safety Drugs, Alcohol and Smoking It is strictly forbidden for children to sell, buy, be in possession of or consume any illegal drugs, alcohol or cigarettes. Any such possession will be seen as a very serious misdemeanour. Medication All medication that is brought into school (except asthma relievers and Epipens) must be taken to Matron with an appropriate letter. If Matron is unavailable, the medication and letter containing instructions must be taken to the School Office. The medication will then be administered in accordance with the instructions by Matron or, in her absence, by a member of staff. The person administering this medication (as per written instructions) takes no responsibility for any adverse reaction the child may suffer. If a child requires Calpol, whilst in school, the child s parents will usually be telephoned by Matron to obtain their consent, although general consent is usually given upon joining the school by signing the medical forms. Use of Buildings Pupils should not use classrooms, laboratory, ICT Suite, D & T workshop or Cranage Hall unless a member of staff is present or unless special permission has been given by a teacher. Pupils should take due care whilst walking on the left hand side of the staircases and corridors, particularly when upstairs on the balcony and bridge. 3 Rewards and Sanctions

4 3.1 The best reward for worthwhile achievement is the acknowledgement of that success, seasoned with a sprinkling of praise. Therefore a fair and equitable approach is encouraged, which includes a consistent marking policy and method of assessment. We praise and reward children for good behaviour and work in a variety of ways: Teachers congratulate children. Teachers give children house points, plus points and or merits. Merits are signed by the Headmaster to acknowledge effort and success Each week we nominate a child from each class to be Pupil of the Week. Each Pupil of the Week receives a certificate in whole school assembly and is recognised on the weekly Pupil of the Week board and on the School website. All children, including EYFS, follow Golden Rules and each week Lower School pupils enjoy 20 minutes of Golden Time. Stickers are also used throughout the School to reward good behaviour and work. 3.2 The school acknowledges the efforts and achievements of children, both in and out of school. This is done through public praise, for example, in assemblies and school newsletters (Headlines and e-news) 3.3 The school employs a number of sanctions to support the Golden Rules & Guidance, and to ensure a safe and positive learning environment. We employ each sanction appropriately to each individual situation and aim for consistency as far as possible. We expect children to listen carefully to instructions in lessons. If they do not do so, we ask them either to move to a place nearer the teacher, or to sit on their own. We expect children to try their best in all activities. If they do not do so, we may ask them to redo a task. If a child is disruptive in class, the teacher reprimands him or her (see appendix 1a for Lower School pupils and 1b for Upper School pupils). If a child misbehaves repeatedly, we isolate the child from the rest of the class until s/he calms down, and is able to work sensibly again with others. The safety of the children is paramount in all situations. If a child s behaviour endangers the safety of others, the class teacher stops the activity and prevents the child from taking part for the rest of that session. If a child threatens, hurts or bullies another child, the teacher records the incident and it is dealt with in line with the sanctions policy (see appendix 1a for the Lower School and appendix 1b for the Upper School. The appendices also contain a full break down of sanctions procedures). In the Lower School any child behaving in a way which is deemed unacceptable will be given two warnings before Golden Minutes are deducted from the weekly session of Golden Time. 3.4 The class teacher regularly discusses the Golden Rules & Guidance with each class. In addition to the Golden Rules & Guidance, each Upper School class also has its own classroom code, which is created and agreed by the children. This is displayed on the wall in the classroom. In this way, every child in the school knows the standard of behaviour that we expect in our school. If there are incidents of anti-social behaviour, the class teacher discusses these with the whole class during P.S.H.E time. 3.5 The school does not tolerate bullying of any kind. If we discover that an act of bullying or intimidation has taken place, we act immediately to stop any further occurrences of such

5 . behaviour. While it is very difficult to eradicate bullying, we do everything in our power to ensure that all children attend school free from fear. A specific anti-bullying policy is in place to deal with all incidents. 4 Physical Restraint 4.1 Teachers in our school do not hit, push or slap children However, like all schools, we reserve the right for our staff to use reasonable force to control or restrain a child in specific circumstances. The Education and Inspections Act 2006 enables school staff to use such force as is reasonable in the circumstances to prevent a pupil from doing or continuing to do any of the following: Committing any offence (or, for a pupil under the age of criminal responsibility, what would be an offence for an older pupil) Causing personal injury to any person (including the pupil themselves) Causing damage to the property of any person (including the pupil themselves) Prejudicing the maintenance of good order and discipline at the school, and among any pupils receiving education at the school, whether during a teaching session or otherwise. 4.2 The Act also defines to whom the power applies as follows: Any teacher who works at the school Any other person whom the head teacher has authorised to have control or charge of pupils. All our staff are advised of the following; Use your voice first: verbal instructions should be given before and during any physical intervention. Use force only when necessary to resolve the incident: this should be the minimum force required, lasting for the shortest practicable time - the purpose should be restraint and the reduction of risk. Do not strike blows or retaliate against pupils: to do so would exceed your authorisation to intervene, and create a significant risk of an allegation of assault being made. Staff are strongly advised always to use their voices first and to use the minimum force necessary to restrain a child for the shortest possible period of time. Staff are reminded of the factors that must be considered in reaching a judgement as to whether the use of physical restraint is appropriate. These are set out in the ATL s Guidance Restraint, and include: The seriousness of the incident, assessed by the effect of the injury, damage or disorder that is likely to result if force is not used The chances of achieving the desired result by other means The relative risks associated with physical intervention compared with using other strategies. 4.3 Every member of staff will inform the Headmaster immediately after s/he has needed to restrain a pupil physically. We will always inform a parent on the same day when it has been necessary to use physical restraint and invite them to the school so that we can, if necessary, agree a protocol or regime for managing that individual pupil s behaviour.

6 4.4 A record of any occurrence of physical restraint will be kept, which details the events leading up to the situation and the measures taken to restrain a child. 5 Drug and alcohol-related incidents 5.1 It is the policy of this school that no child should bring any drug, legal or illegal, to school. If a child will need medication during the school day the parent or guardian should notify the school and ask permission for the medication to be brought. This should be taken directly to matron for safekeeping. Any medication needed by a child while in school must be taken under the supervision of Matron, a teacher or other adult worker. 5.2 The school will take very seriously misuse of any substances such as glue, other solvents, or alcohol. The parents or guardians of any child involved will always be notified. Any child who deliberately brings substances into school for the purpose of misuse will be punished by a fixed-term exclusion. If the offence is repeated, the child will be permanently excluded, and the police and social services will be informed. 5.3 If any child is found to be suffering from the effects of alcohol or other substances, arrangements will be made for that child to be taken home. 5.4 It is forbidden for anyone, adult or child, to bring onto the school premises illegal drugs. Any child who is found to have brought to school any type of illegal substance will be punished by a temporary exclusion. The child will not be readmitted to the school until a parent or guardian of the child has visited the school and discussed the seriousness of the incident with the Headmaster. 5.5 If the offence is repeated the child will be permanently excluded. 5.6 If a child is found to have deliberately brought illegal substances into school, and is found to be distributing these to other pupils for money, the child will be permanently excluded from the school. The police and social services will also be informed. 6 The role of the teacher 6.1 It is the responsibility of teachers to ensure that the Golden Rules and Guidance are enforced in their classes, and that their classes behave in a responsible manner during lesson time. 6.2 The teachers in our school have high expectations of the children with regard to behaviour, and they strive to ensure that all children work to the best of their ability. 6.3 The teachers treat each child fairly, and implement the classroom code consistently, fairly and equitably. The teachers treat all children in their classes with respect and understanding. 6.4 If a child misbehaves repeatedly in class, the teacher initially deals with incidents him/herself in the normal manner. However, if misbehaviour continues, or is particularly serious the teacher seeks help and advice from the appropriate Senior Leadership Team Member. 6.5 The class teacher liaises with the learning support co-ordinator as necessary, to support and guide the progress of each child. Particular care is taken to consider the behavioural needs of those children who receive learning support. Occasionally, discussion may take place with appropriate external agencies.

7 6.6 Teachers report to parents about the progress of each child in their class, in line with the whole-school policy. Teachers may also contact a parent if there are concerns about the behaviour or welfare of a child. 6.7 Through the Early Years Foundation Stage, values and attitudes are taught as well as knowledge and skills. (This will promote responsible behaviour, encourage self-discipline and encourage in children a respect for themselves, for other people and for property.) Good behaviour is encouraged, rather than simply punishing bad behaviour, by providing a range of rewards for the children. 7 The role of the Headmaster 7.1 It is the responsibility of the Headmaster, under the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, to implement the school behaviour policy consistently throughout the school, and to report to governors, when requested, on the effectiveness of the policy. It is also the responsibility of the Headmaster to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all children in the school including EYFS children. 7.2 The Headmaster supports the staff by implementing the policy, by setting the standards of behaviour, and by supporting staff in their implementation of the policy. 7.3 Records are kept of all reported serious incidents of misbehaviour. The relevant documentation can be found in the staffroom. There are two files, one for break time sanctions which has the teacher s signature who gave the sanction. A reason is not normally written, as the pupils will discuss their sanction with the supervising member of staff. The other file contains details of lunchtime detentions. 7.4 The Headmaster, or in his / her absence the Deputy Headmaster, has the responsibility for giving fixed-term suspensions to individual children for serious acts of misbehaviour. For repeated or very serious acts of anti-social behaviour, the Headmaster may permanently exclude a child. However, permanent exclusion only occurs after the school governors have been notified. 7.5 If a malicious accusation is made against a member of staff, it will be treated very seriously and in line with the July 2011 Education Bill. The Headmaster can temporarily or permanently exclude pupils who make malicious allegations. In extreme circumstances, they can involve the police if there are grounds for believing a criminal offence has been committed. The Headmaster will not automatically suspend teachers accused of using force unreasonably where other alternatives exist. As far as is possible, the School will seek to resolve any case within a month. 8 The role of parents 8.1 The school collaborates actively with parents, so that children receive consistent messages about how to behave at home and at school. 8.2 We explain the Golden Rules & Guidance to the children, and we expect parents to read them and support them. A copy of the rules can be found in the homebook / homework diary.

8 8.3 We expect parents to support their child s learning, and to cooperate with the school. We try to build a supportive dialogue between the home and the school, and we inform parents immediately if we have concerns about their child s welfare or behaviour. 8.4 If the school has to use reasonable sanctions to punish a child, we expect parents to support the actions of the school. If parents have any concerns about the way that their child has been treated, they should initially contact the class teacher. If concerns remain unresolved parents should follow the complaints procedure. 9 Monitoring and review 9.1 The Senior Leadership Team monitors the effectiveness of this policy on a regular basis. It is reviewed and amended when necessary or every 2 years. 9.2 The school keeps a variety of records concerning significant incidents of misbehaviour, whether in the classroom, outside or around the school in general. 9.3 Records are kept in pupils files of any suspensions or permanent exclusions. Signed: Martin Stott Date: September 2015 Reference: Behaviour and Discipline in Schools 2014 Appendices Below. Appendix 1a Disciplinary sanctions in the Lower School The Lower School Disciplinary Chain of Action Stage 1 One off minor infringements are dealt with by the member of staff on duty and may result in: A verbal reminder about unacceptable behaviour. Removal from the scene of disruption to an alternative supervised area. Removal of privileges, eg. A missed playtime indoors or a playtime spent on the bench outdoors. Loss of a golden minute(s). Record of sanction kept in Matron s room. The child s class teacher will be informed. Stage 2 If the misdemeanour continues, the child will sit down with the class teacher and the Head of Lower School. (In the case of the child being in the Head of Lower School s class, the teacher witnessing the incident will also be present) and a

9 discussion will ensue. A short-term positive reward system will be introduced and realistic named goals set for the child. Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5 The class teacher will discuss the matter with the child s parents and work in partnership with them to rectify the situation via home and school guidance, including a positive reward system. In cases of continued misdemeanour, a meeting will be held between the Head of Lower School, parents and the class teacher. Regular reports will continue. If stages 1-4 have not resolved the issue, the Headmaster will meet with the parents, Head of Lower School and the class teacher. Stage 6 In extreme, continuing cases, there will be suspension. This will usually be 2-3 days, but may be altered if appropriate. Stage 7 Where all previous stages fail to succeed, the Headmaster will review the pupil s future place in the school. If deemed appropriate, in order to help pupils improve, the Deputy Head, who is in overall charge of discipline throughout the school, may speak to the pupil(s) involved at any stage. The headmaster will be made aware of any situations reaching stage 2 of the above procedure and will be kept fully informed. All incidents regarded as major incidents will be recorded by class teachers. In extreme cases of negative or anti-social behaviour the Headmaster has the right to suspend or review the future of a pupil at the school at any point of the disciplinary procedure. Appendix 1b Disciplinary sanctions in the Upper School Minor misdemeanours, of a normal childish nature, will simply be dealt with by staff as they arise. Explanation, guidance and advice will be given, alongside a telling-off when necessary. Such offences may incur penalties resulting in missed break times. The Upper School disciplinary sanctions are listed below. 1. Individual staff sanction for minor indiscretion such as producing a piece of work below what is expected, or continually forgetting books etc. 2. Break-time sanction for being disruptive in class etc. Recorded in Break-Time Sanction Folder in the staffroom. 3. Detention undertaken by the Deputy Head if a child receives 5 break-time sanctions in one term, or commits an action which is deemed too severe for a break-time sanction. Recorded in sanction folder in the staffroom. 4. At any time a teacher may send a child to the Head / Deputy Head if they feel that the behaviour of the pupil is dangerous or unacceptable. There are certain forms of behaviour, however, which are seen as thoroughly unacceptable at The Old Hall, and which we regard as very serious breaches of our assumed code of conduct. Any form of bullying.

10 Grossly offensive language. Wilful disobedience of, or disrespect shown to, any member of staff, (teaching or nonteaching), parent or visitor. Deliberate use of any dangerous implement, including the throwing of sticks, stones etc. Deliberate bringing into school of any known harmful substance. If a child repeatedly misbehaves in the classroom in the same way and has not responded to praise / being placed on a monitoring card. These major misdemeanours will be dealt with through the detention system, which is organised by the Deputy Head. It will work on the following principles: That detention is seen as a very serious sanction. That the number of detentions given in any one academic year is vitally involved in the action-taking process. The annual framework will be administered in the following way: First detention Second detention Third detention Fourth detention Fifth detention Detention accompanied by talk between pupil and tutor. Parents are informed. Detention accompanied by talk between pupil, tutor and Deputy Head. Parents are informed. Detention accompanied by meeting with tutor, head, pupil and parents. Suspension from school for 2 to 3 days. Review of future place in school. Consideration of longer suspension, or even removal. This brief statement and outline of procedure is not concerned with the reasons for the awarding of a detention and the subsequent action by the pupil s tutor and the headmaster. The relevant disciplinary process is outlined in this document. The detention sanction is not regarded as the major deterrent. It is believed that the stages of the detention process are designed to fulfill this function. Pupils should regard detention as one stage in the process, which could lead to suspension and possibly expulsion from the school. It is awareness of this fact which should serve as the major deterrent to future misdemeanors. The detention will involve the pupil missing 30 minutes of a Friday lunch break (between 12:45 pm and 1:15 pm). During this time they will stand silently outside the head s study. In some cases work will be given to them that may aid their reflection upon their action. In extreme cases of negative or anti-social behaviour the Headmaster has the right to suspend or review the future of a pupil at the school at any point of the disciplinary procedure. Michaelmas 2015