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.
- 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.
- To develop self-discipline, the ability to learn independently and work co-operatively.
- To listen with respect to one another and be conscious never to damage another’s self esteem.
- 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.
The children are made aware of our ‘Golden Rules’:
- We care for everything and everyone
- We walk around school
- We are polite
- We tell the truth
- We listen to others
- We try our best
- 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:
- small but attainable
Rewards used can include:
- complimentary remarks
- private praise and encouragement
- written comments on work
- stickers on work
- stickers to wear
- lunchtime stickers
- Headteacher awards
- house points
- classroom reward chart- Teacher’s own system
- special activities
- weekly merit certificates
- weekly ‘Gold Star’ for 1 child in each class
- weekly ‘Class of the Week’
- Monthly ‘Superstar of the School’
- ‘Star Writer/Mathlete’ Every other week
- termly Special Achievement Awards – 4 per class awarded for:
- Following the Golden Rules
- Effort and Improvement
When giving rewards to children they should always understand why they have achieved it.
Unacceptable Behaviour – Sanctions
All children know that behaviour which does not abide by the Golden Rules is unacceptable. Behaviour that will not be tolerated includes:
- bullying (See Anti Bully Policy)
- harassment (racial or other)
- name calling
- bad language
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 the SLT 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
- 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.
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.