The management of behaviour is essential to good learning situations.  The general aim of the school is to provide an atmosphere of mutual respect and collective responsibility.  Pupils, parents and teachers all have an important part to play in producing this.  The rules of the school are of a common sense nature, bearing in mind the interest and safety of all concerned.  The school aims to establish a culture where "teachers teach and pupils learn with confidence and security".  It is therefore important to provide a positive environment in which pupils can take full advantage of the learning opportunities offered.

We believe that children respond best to a caring and supportive approach and staff in school pursue a policy that encourages pupils to take a pride in themselves and their work in an atmosphere which will enhance their self esteem.  This in turn will encourage pupils to attempt tasks in school and to accept success and difficulties as part of the learning process.

It is important that pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their own behaviour and to make a positive contribution to the school as a whole.  They should be encouraged to feel that they have a stake in the school and can make a positive contribution to its smooth running.  A School Council has been established that has representatives from each class from P3-P7.  At this Council (which also includes Senior staff, teachers, non-teaching staff) pupils may discuss any aspect of school life and will be encouraged to make suggestions which may improve it.

There will be times when a child's behaviour may be unacceptable and there is a need to ensure that the implications of this are clear to pupils, parents and staff.  The welfare and behaviour of pupils are the joint responsibility of staff and parents.  Parents will always be informed at an early stage of successes and concerns and the staff will seek and welcome parental help in supporting each child.

Summary  Of  Main  Points

Class Procedure

§         Individual classes and teachers should be free to determine appropriate rules and strategies.

§         All classes would operate a reward system (Make Ten!).

§         Stress the need to be positive (re gaining points not losing them!)

§         Reward activities should have an educational perspective and value.

School Council

§         A committee comprising of 2 pupils from each class P3 -P7 has been established.

§         Pupils elected by peers will report back to class.

§         Meetings will be regular but not necessarily frequent (eg 3/4 times per year).

§         Teaching and non-teaching staff will be on the committee.

§         Any aspects of school life may be discussed.

§         A record of every meeting will be kept and distributed to every class within the school community.

Persistent or Significant Misdemeanors

§        Primary responsibility of classroom management is the class teacher and only persistent or significant misdemeanors should be

      referred to Senior Management Team

§        All referrals to Senior Management Team should be logged.

§        Parents will be notified by letter about these incidents.

Parental Involvement

§         Parents should be informed of discipline procedures and their support obtained.

§         Parents should be encouraged to take an active and participative role in the child's learning.

§         Parents should continue to be encouraged to participate in the life of the school.

Consistency And Continuity

§       It is important that all members of the school community are familiar with this policy and that consistent and continuous procedures are applied by all members of staff.

§       Parents and staff must encourage children to take responsibility for their own learning and behaviour while taking a pride in themselves and their school.

School Reward System

The behaviour of pupils is the joint responsibility of pupils, parents and school staff. The school expects socially acceptable behaviour by all pupils and all rules are designed to ensure that this takes place.

The school as a whole is promoting positive behaviour through a reward system known to the children as “ Make Ten!”

The main points of this system are as follows:-

• Each child starts with 5 points every Monday

• All children who manage to keep their 5 points will take part in Golden Time

• A point may be lost for disobeying class rules, homework not completed, unfinished work, misbehaviour in the playground

• Points can be earned back during the week

• Extra points may be given for a focused area made clear to the pupils – e.g. high quality work, or behaviour

• If a child manages to get 10 points he/she will qualify for Star Time which may take place at the end of a term

Any behaviour more serious than what has been mentioned above(3rd Point) would mean a child missing out on their break time and the loss of 2 points. During this time the child would sit by themselves and reflect on their behaviour. At the end of the break time the pupils would discuss their behaviour issues and how to avoid being in this position again with the staff member on supervision duty. Parents would be informed through a proforma and they would be expected to discuss this incident with their child at home.

If any children lose all their points they will meet together with an SMT member to take part in a Circle Time to discuss behaviour issues. Each child in this group will draw up and complete a proforma indicating their unacceptable behaviour and their targets for the following week. This will take the form of a written contract which will be shared with the parents and signed by all parties.

Any incident where a pupil is abusive ( verbal or physical) towards another pupil or member of staff will be reported to their parents by telephone or letter. Sanctions for this will depend on the severity of the incident.