RATIONALE :-
All children need to grow and learn in a nurturing, sharing, caring atmosphere where they have the security of knowing that they are respected and valued as individuals. By a consistent approach to behaviour throughout the school, children are made aware of what is expected of them, both in their attitudes to learning and each other. By creating a calm, respectful community, staff and pupils can work in harmony and effective learning can take place. It is school’s responsibility to educate children to develop their interpersonal and self management skills and positive attitudes for life.
AIMS
- To support children in understanding and expressing their feelings, and the language of feelings, so fostering empathy.
- To create a pleasant but purposeful atmosphere in the classroom and around school.
- To develop self esteem by showing children we value their efforts and achievements and working with them in a consistent way.
- To develop self confidence, pride in the school and feelings that their contributions are valued
- To develop children’s ability to use strategies to resolve conflict and deal with difficult issues.
- To provide effectively planned learning opportunities which are interesting and stimulating.
- To ensure all staff and children understand ‘The Golden Rules’ and do their best to abide by them.
OBJECTIVES
All staff should always show a consistent approach to behaviour.
- Children need a clear understanding of what is expected of them.
- All children should be encouraged to make decisions for themselves, thus becoming responsible for their own actions and developing self discipline.
- Good classroom organisation and management will promote independence and good behaviour.
- Appropriate differentiated learning experiences will support behaviour management.
- Understanding the needs of all children with particular consideration for vulnerable children and meeting their needs sensitively.
- Valuing all children and fostering good relationships is important in helping children to develop attributes such as courtesy, thoughtfulness, honesty, kindness and loyalty.
- Effective supervision of children at all times is essential – i.e. Classroom, corridors, cloakrooms, shared areas, hall and playground. Children need to be aware of this supervision and the reason for it, this gives children the security of knowing that they can turn to a responsible adult when necessary.
- Within a supportive environment, children learn to develop appropriate relationships and their understanding of respect, at all levels.
Our school’s Good Behaviour Booklet and a copy of ‘The Golden Rules’ is given to all new parents and children and they are encouraged to read it and discuss before starting school.
POLICY INTO PRACTICE
The ethos of the school reflects the values and attitudes which characterise it’s community and atmosphere. It also reflects the quality of relationships and the way in which the school helps pupils to deal with positive and negative feelings and difficult situations e.g. happiness, sadness, conflict, loss, disability, grief or other difficulties.
These values determine behaviour throughout the school. The school recognises children’s individuality and promotes the development of the whole child. All staff are committed to using positive behaviour management strategies.
The Golden Rules are understood by all members of the school community and provide clear guidance of our expectations.
They are as follows:
We are gentle We don’t hurt others
We are kind and helpful We don’t hurt anybody’s feelings
We listen We don’t interrupt
We are honest We don’t cover up the truth
We work hard We don’t waste our own time or other’s time
We look after property We don’t waste or damage things
Children are also familiar with Golden Rules specifically aimed at lunchtimes and playtimes. They are clearly displayed around school.
We encourage good behaviour by:
- Recognising and praising good behaviour at all times
- Having high expectations for behaviour
- Leading by example e.g. adults treating children and each other with respect
- A policy of inclusion which meets the educational, social and behavioural needs of all pupils.
- Rewarding good behaviour with stickers, golden tickets and star awards
- Letting parents know about their children’s good behaviour
- Building empathy and community through Circle Times and work around feelings
- Using Restorative approaches to deal with conflict thus encouraging children to take responsibility for their actions/ be responsible for their own behaviour
- Focussing on repairing harm rather than apportioning blame
Awarding children the right to Golden Time for keeping the Golden Rules.
Dealing with consistent inappropriate behaviour
Occasionally we have to deal with consistent inappropriate behaviour. When this occurs we follow an agreed structure:
- Reminders about appropriate behaviour (referring to Golden Rules)
- Talking to children to resolve issues and conflicts and understand their, and others, feelings
- Separating the pupils within the class
- Separating the pupils from their own class
- Contacting parents/carers to discuss the behaviour
- Devising an individual behaviour programme which may help the child. (This will always be done after discussion with parents/carers)
In extreme cases it may be necessary to exclude a pupil. This will only be considered after all other avenues have been explored. It will always be done in consultation with parents/carers and the local authority.