Pastoral Policy
The legal framework
The power to discipline - what it means.
- Clause 91 of the Education and Inspection act 2006 introduces fro the first time a statutory power for teachers and certain other school staff (to be determined by the head) to discipline pupils.
- Previously the legal authority of schools to discipline pupils has been based on the common law principle of the teacher being in 'loco parentis'
- The act tackles in particular the 'you cant tell me to do that' culture among certain pupils and their parents. It gives school staff a clear statutory authority for punishing pupils whose behaviour is unacceptable, who break the school rules and who fail to follow a reasonable instruction.
- To safeguard the interests of pupils against unfair or inappropriate punishments, the act also provides that the disciplinary penalties in question must be reasonable, not breach and statutory requirement or prohibition, e.g. legislation on race, SEN and disability etc.
Regulating pupils' conduct and disciplining misbehavior outside school premises.
The Educations and Inspections Act of 2006 says that schools can now by law "to such an extent is reasonable" include measures for regulating the conduct of pupils when not on the premises of the school and not under the lawful control or charge of a member of staff.
However, school can only impose sanctions when the pupil is on the school site or under lawful control or charge of a member of staff. For example a sanction could be imposed whilst a pupil is on a school trip, but not whilst the pupil is on his journey home from school for instance. In such circumstances the member of staff could indicate to the pupils that he has been seen misbehaving and will be punished, but must wait until the pupil is next in school to issue punishment.
It is important that schools take care to act reasonably when regulating pupils' conduct and disciplining them for misbehavior outside school taking into account such factors as:
Severity of the misbehavior
Extent to which the reputation of the school has been affected.
Whether the pupils in question were wearing school uniform or were readily identifiable as members of the
school.
The extent to which the behaviour in question would have repercussions for the orderly running of the school
and/or might pose a threat to another pupils or staff member.
We feel that is essential that all members of the school community are involved in the process of maintaining an orderly climate for learning.
Rights and responsibilities of the school pupils and parents ensuring an orderly climate of learning.
The school rights
As a school we have the right to carry out our behaviour policy - including rules and disciplinary measures.
We expect our pupils and parents' cooperation in maintaining an orderly climate of learning.
We expect our pupils to respect the rights of other pupils and adults in the school
We will not tolerate abusive or violent behaviour by pupils or parents.
We have the right to engage the support of outside partners such as children's services and police as appropriate.
Responsibilities
Equally we accept our responsibility to:
Ensure the whole school community is consulted about the principals of the school behaviour policy
Make sure everyone is aware of what is acceptable and what is not.
To ensure our staff have necessary training on behaviour strategies.
The we will apply sanctions fairly, taking into account SEN, disability and needs of vulnerable children.
To make alternative provision from day 6 for fixed period excluded pupils.
To ensure pupils safety and well being including preventing bullying and dealing effectively with reports of bullying.
To promote positive behaviour through active development of pupils social, emotional and behavioral skills.
Pupils - Rights
To be consulted on the development of the school behavioral policy.
To be taught in environments that are safe, conducive to learning and free from disruption
to expect appropriate action from school staff to tackle any incidents of bullying, violence, discrimination or harassment.
Responsibilities
To follow reasonable instructions by school staff, obey school rules and accept sanctions appropriately.
To act as positive representative for the school when off-site.
Not to bring inappropriate or unlawful items to school
To show respect for staff, fellow pupils, school property and the school environment.
To cooperate with any arrangements put in place to support behaviour, e.g. PSP's or parenting contracts.
Parents - Rights
To be consulted on the development of the school behaviour policy.
To expect your children to be safe, secure and respected in school.
To have the right of appeal if it is believed that the school has exercised its disciplinary authority unreasonably
To be kept informed about your child's progress, including issues retaliating to behaviour.
To be listened to when making a complaint and to receive a fast and prompt response.
Responsibilities.
To respect the school's behaviour policy and the disciplinary authority of school staff.
To help ensure that your child follows reasonable instructions by school staff and sticks to the school rules.
To send your child to school on time each day, appropriately dressed.
To be prepared to work with the school to support your child's positive behaviour.
to attend meetings with school staff, if requested, to discuss your child's behaviour.
To stick to the terms of any parenting contract or Order relating to your child's behaviour.
If your child is excluded to ensure that they are not found unsupervised in a public place during school hours in the first five days of exclusion.
Detention
Detention is used as a sanction for unacceptable behaviour and when school rules are not followed.
The law states that the 24 hour notice period is intended to allow parents and opportunity to make alternative arrangements for travel for the child.
Parents can be contacted by letter - pupil post or mail.
The detention can take place without having proof that the parents know about the detention.
Lunchtime and break time detentions will be no longer than 10 minutes. It is not necessary to give notice for this type of detention. Also, a student may be detained for up to 10 minutes at the end of the school day without notice.
Confiscation
There are occasions when inappropriate items will be confiscated by members of staff. For example:
An MP3 player/iPOD is being used by a students and is interfering with the learning
or
an item poses a threat to others.
Items will be returned at an appropriate point/end of lesson/school session/school day - depending on the nature of the item.
There may be occasions when returning items is not appropriate for example a cigarette lighter which would be stored safely at the school until the parent/guardian comes to collect.
If an item is of an unlawful or hazardous nature then it may be necessary to pass on to an external agency for disposal or further action as appropriate.
The behaviour management system.
Our system is based upon good practice and means that all staff and students know exactly what is acceptable and what is not. We have a very clear structure which is easy to follow for both students and staff and improves the consistency of approach across the school.
Each child is treated as an individual and when an incident occurs all circumstances are taken into consideration
we have have a very small set of rules. However, there are some situations such as a threat to health and safety of students and staff where immediate action will be taken.
Also, abusive or offensive language directed towards a member of staff will not be tolerated.
The school planners issued to all students contains detailed information about school procedures, classroom expectations behavior during social times and school uniform requirements.
Also an outline of the Assertive Discipline system our methods of monitoring behaviour rewards system and incorrect uniform procedure can be obtained by contacting school.
All of our students are informed about these systems on entry to school and then reminded at regular intervals.