School Prospectus - Pupil Behavior
We are very proud of our school's reputation, both for its friendly atmosphere, and for the good conduct of our pupils.
To ensure that this is maintained, we try to impart high standards of behaviour with regard to good manners, honesty, care and respect for other people and their property, and for the school building and equipment.
We believe that nurturing good relationships is the basis for our happy atmosphere. These are developed most effectively by positive approaches such as praise and reward for good work and behaviour, showing initiative or determination.
The importance of a person's self-esteem as a motivating force towards acceptable behaviour and effective relationships, as well as in raising standards of achievement in the classroom, cannot be over-stated.
In order to promote good behaviour the school now offers ‘Golden Time’ to reward pupils whose standard of behaviour and attitude to work is acceptable. This takes the form of a special treat on Friday each week when children can choose an activity they enjoy. More information about this can be obtained from class teachers or governors.
The Sanctions We Use
The early establishment of classroom 'norms' help the very young child understand what is acceptable and what is not. The following general tenets form the basis for acceptable standards of behaviour in our school:
- effective relationships between children, and between the adult and the child
- the encouragement of children towards a greater degree of self-discipline
- setting an example in fairness, firmness, sympathy and understanding in all our dealings
In order for the above to be achieved, forms of imposed discipline will be necessary on occasions. Wherever possible, these should be of a positive, constructive nature, and within the child's comprehension. The school’s Behaviour and Anti-bullying policies outline the sanctions and reward systems more fully.
We keep clear records of misbehaviour and parents / carers will be informed if there are serious or ongoing concerns. We are fortunate enough to have parents/carers who understand the need for school rules and support the school’s need to maintain the highest standards of discipline - even when it involves their own child.
Charges may be made to parents/carers for the loss or damage of school equipment by their child.
The ultimate sanction available to the school will be to exclude the child either for a fixed period - or permanently. This step will only be taken in cases of serious or persistent misconduct, or, where the safety or welfare of other members of the school community was threatened.
Our Anti-bullying Policy
We seek to create a climate within the school which allows pupils to feel able to share their problems, secure in the knowledge that they will be listened to fairly, and treated positively.
Bullying can range from simple name-calling or teasing to physical threats and violence. It is any behaviour which may cause stress or hurt to another child, or children. It takes place in all schools, although we are proud of the high standards of behaviour of our pupils and incidents of bullying are, fortunately, not frequent.
We do all we can to restrict the incidence of bullying. We respond as promptly as possible when incidents do occur and take measures to prevent them.
Parents / carers will be informed of any recorded bullying concerns.
(Copies of the Behaviour policy and the Anti-bullying policy can be obtained from the school office on request.)