discipline_policy

C:\Documents and Settings\Chris Hassall\Desktop\pol\Discipline Policy.doc

Discipline Policy

Prepared by the Headteacher and

implemented in April 2010 ............................

Authorised by the

Chairman of the Performance and

Standards Committee in April 2010 ............................

Review Date: Spring 2012


Discipline Policy

Alsager School’s discipline policy is founded on the principles contained within the Elton Report. We

believe that the prime purpose of the school is to further learning. To that end, our code of conduct for

pupils is designed to keep them safe and secure and to allow them to learn as effectively as possible.

Pupils are expected to adhere to the following overarching rules:

1. Everyone must behave in ways that prevent harm coming to others

2. Everyone must behave in ways that help learning happen in class

3. Everyone must use modern technology appropriately and safely

4. Everyone will act politely and with consideration for others at all times

5. Everyone will take care of the school and its surroundings

The first three rules are particularly important and pupils and parents should be aware that willful

breaking of these rules will almost certainly lead to exclusion and occasionally permanent exclusion. It

is not possible to be exhaustive here but bullying, serious assault, bringing a weapon to school, arson

and selling drugs would all contravene the first rule. We also believe that all pupils have the right to

learn free from disruptive behaviour and in this school, all pupils can behave appropriately. When they

do not it is because they choose not to do so. Thirdly, modern technology such as mobile phones,

digital cameras, computers and the like must be used appropriately. So called cyber bullying is a

particularly vicious form of bullying which in any case contravenes rule one. Computer systems also contain a great deal of confidential information. It is unacceptable for anyone to try to access such

information without proper consent.

Alsager School is a comprehensive school and as such its ethos is based on equal value, that is, valuing

each student for themselves rather than for simply what they can do. In keeping with this ethos it is

important that everyone is treated with respect. Rules 3 and 4 reflect this. We expect students to dress

appropriately, to move around the school responsibly and to speak to everyone politely and treat the

campus with respect.

Pupils are taught the school’s Code of Behaviour and a copy is included in pupil organisers. To allow

teaching and learning to occur effectively the following are particularly important:

• Pupils must promptly follow all reasonable instructions from a member of staff. Pupils should

note that this means all members of staff, not only teachers

• Pupils should come to class properly equipped

• Homework must be completed and handed in on time

• Punctuality and attendance are very important. Lateness and return from absence disrupts

learning for the whole class not just the person directly affected

School rules apply when students are travelling to and from school and when they are engaged in any

school activity, even if the activity is occurring outside the school day.


Sanctions

The school believes that one of the most effective ways the school has of maintaining high standards of

behaviour is by placing an emphasis on the recognition of good behaviour. Recognising and rewarding

good behaviour is likely to be more successful in maintaining high standards than only drawing

attention to poor behaviour.

Having said this there will be times when sanctions are required to bring about an improvement in a

pupil’s behaviour. Sanctions will always be used to modify behaviour and never to punish. Permanent

exclusion will be the exception to this since it is a declaration that the school can no longer work with

the student.

Sanctions chosen will always be appropriate and proportionate but may vary from individual to

individual. This is because one sanction may be thought to be more effective with one student than

with another.

Within lessons, the sanctions the school will use are:

• Behaviour monitoring card, extraction, evening detention, letter home. (Parents will be informed if

a pupil is to be detained after school)

• Appropriate sanction selected by teacher e.g. move the child, delay pupil for a short period at the

end of the lesson.

• A sanction designed to occupy and inconvenience the pupil outside class time e.g. 20 minute

lunchtime detention, extra piece of work.

Parents should note that current legislation allows schools to detain pupils after school having first

given 24 hours notice. It is not therefore an option for parents to say they do not want this form of

sanction to be used in their child’s case.

For persistent poor behaviour or serious breaches of behaviour senior staff will be involved. At this

stage parents will always be informed. A Behaviour Modification Plan will be drawn up and staff will

monitor the range of actions taken. These can be:

• Minimum of one week on special report to monitor behaviour

• Individual Behaviour Plan (IBP) drawn up.

• Suspended exclusion.

• Fixed term exclusion.

• Fixed term exclusion with headteacher’s final warning and followed by the use of a formal Pastoral

Support Plan (PSP)

• Permanent exclusion.

Parents should note that where a student’s conduct is in breach of the law, for example, possession of

an illegal substance, the school may inform the police.