Positive behaviour and attitudes are essential if we are to achieve our aim of creating a safe and secure environment in which children can take best advantage of the learning opportunities available to them. As a school we also have a responsibility to society and to the children in our care to establish and develop appropriate behaviour and positive attitudes.

We place great store on respect, courtesy and consideration for others and aim to develop self-discipline in children.

Our approach to behaviour management is based upon the Assertive Discipline programme, whereby positive and appropriate behaviour is highlighted, praised and rewarded. Children are encouraged to make sensible and appropriate choices about their behaviour.

We have developed a few simple classroom rules, as follows:

Follow directions
1. Keep hands, feet, objects and unkind words to yourself
2. Stay on task
3. Use the appropriate noise level
4. Listen attentively

Children who choose to behave appropriately will be recognised and rewarded:

•  Verbal recognition
•  A smile!
•  Thumbs up
•  Positive note home  (‘apple letter’) or phone call to parents or speak to parents in person
•  Achievers’ Certificate
•  Whole class awards, preferred activity time etc
•  Classroom privileges e.g.  ‘first in line’, jobs around class etc
•  Praise from another teacher, Deputy Head, Headteacher.

Inappropriate behaviour prevents other children from learning. We respond in a calm and consistent manner, as follows:

1st time.   Reminder
2nd time.  5 minutes working away from the group
3rd time.  10 minutes working away from the group (Key Stage 2: ‘Think Sheet’ to complete)
4th time.   Parents will be contacted by telephone or letter
5th time.   Sent to the Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher

Serious misbehaviour will result in the immediate involvement of a senior member of staff.

Our approach to behaviour is communicated to parents via newsletters and workshops, and by meetings with individual parents where needed. We aim to give information about the good behaviour of your child, as well as informing you directly if there is an ongoing concern about inappropriate behaviour. In cases of poor behaviour we seek the active support of parents to work with us to find a solution to the problem.

Circle Time is an important aspect of our work in this area. Circle Time involves children in activities that develop skills like communication, negotiation and problem solving. It helps to raise self esteem, encourages children to show consideration for others and is a means of looking at issues relating to behaviour and attitudes e.g. friendship, bullying, and rights and responsibilities.

The implementation of this policy ensures that the school is a caring and well-ordered community where effective teaching and learning can take place, and where children demonstrate positive attitudes to themselves and others.