Schools and learning

Preventing and Managing Disruptive Behaviour

Effective delivery of the school's curriculum can only take place where pupils attend school regularly, are motivated to learn, and behave well. The behaviour policy establishes the agreed ways in which all members of the school community will contribute to the learning environment.

Pupils need security if they are to learn effectively. Part of this security is created by an awareness of the behavioural expectations established by their school and recognition that there is consistent use of praise when their behaviour is appropriate and sanctions when it is inappropriate.

School staff also need to feel secure if they are to support the learning process effectively. They will feel more secure if they are clear about the expected behaviour, the range of sanctions which can be used to discourage inappropriate behaviour and the support they can provide to pupils with specific emotional and behavioural needs.

The school's behaviour policy:

• reflects the values of the school community, states them clearly and provides a framework for the promotion of spiritual, moral, social and cultural development
• is a component of the whole school curriculum aims
• makes clear the high expectations of all to achieve personally, socially and academically in a climate of mutual respect
• creates a clear framework for a positive teaching and learning environment
• records the rules, rewards and sanctions agreed by all members of the school community
• clarifies how even the most difficult of situations will be managed
• has a distinct section, which describes the policy and procedures for dealing explicitly with bullying and racial harassment
• includes break and lunchtime policy and practice
• contains a structure for discussion and agreement about behaviour issues by all members of the school (and wider) community, including parents/carers and, therefore, links with the home/schools agreement
• incorporates a mechanism for review, monitoring and evaluation of the policy
• clarifies the curriculum content and location for promoting self esteem, personal and cultural identities, responsibility, positive relationships and respect for all
• outlines the support and training for all staff in implementing the policy.
• outlines the procedure for monitoring and reviewing the policy