Sanctions for low level behaviour concern

Where behaviour is considered a low-level issue the use of sanctions can be applied.  Pupils will always be listened to as we seek to understand the reason for any behaviour and through discussion, we will apply a sanction if appropriate.  We aim for children to learn through this process to enable them to make better choices in the future.

Sanctions can comprise:

• loss of playtimes
• sitting separately in class
• spending time in parallel class group

Sanctions for high level behaviour concern

Where a child’s behaviour is considered high level concern, Stoke Primary School has a range of systems to support the required improvement.

Through detailed investigation sanctions are discussed with all stakeholders to ensure that the planned action is commensurate with the behaviour issue.  Consequences are therefore tailored to the situation, but the process follows these principles:

• Always include children in the discussions of behaviour and consequence so they are able to learn from the situation
• Provide clarity and consistency of suitable responses
• Minimise disruption to others especially teaching and learning time
• Provide every opportunity for children to correct their own behaviour, make sensible choices and prevent further sanctions being applied
• Allow early involvement of parents, line managers, SENCO and support agencies
• Do everything reasonably possible to avoid exclusion from school

Where injury has occurred

• If behaviour results in physical or verbal abuse towards a teacher/adult an ‘Assault’ form should be completed and a copy forwarded to the LA.

• If physical intervention of any kind is required, then a record should be completed in the ‘Bound and Numbered’ Book as soon as possible and within 24 hours of the incident.
• Any other incident deemed ‘serious’ or resulting in injury should be recorded on an Accident/Assault Incident form, the teacher’s class diary or the Playgrounds Incident Book.
• Incidents of bullying and/or racism should be recorded and logged in the relevant Record Log

Note   See also our policy on the ‘Physical intervention Guidance (Team Teach)”.

Exclusion

This is a sanction that will only be used if there is:

• A serious breach of the school’s Behaviour Policy.
• The pupil continually behaves badly and fails to respect the school rules.
• If allowing the pupil to remain in school would seriously inhibit the education of other children.

Head Teacher’s role in exclusion

The Head Teacher will:

• Act as lead officer and carry out an investigation to determine most appropriate course of action.
• Discuss with the pupil what has happened and why it is of serious concern.
• Discuss the events that surround the incident with wider staff.
• Consider all the facts presented.

Length of Exclusions

The Head Teacher has the right to exclude pupils for a period from 1 to 5 school days BUT each case will be assessed and treated individually and a sanction applied depending on the incidents severity.

Permanent Exclusion

This decision is a serious one. It will be the final step, the last resort in a process of support for dealing will disciplinary problems. It will also be a decision that will be made by the Governing Body and not just the Head Teacher. There may, however, be an occasion where the Head Teacher could decide to permanently exclude a pupil for the first breach of rules. This may include:

• Serious actual, or threatened violence against another pupil or member of staff
• Sexual abuse or assault
• Drug offences
• Carrying an offensive weapon

Notifying Relevant Parties of an Exclusion

On excluding a pupil, the Head Teacher must immediately notify parents of the exclusion and the reason for it. They must also inform parents of their rights to make representations to the Governing Body. The Governing Body must also be notified of certain exclusions.

The Governing Bodies Responsibilities in relation to Exclusion

For fixed-period exclusions of more than five days the governing body must arrange suitable alternative full-time education, which must begin no later than the sixth day of the exclusion. For permanent exclusions, the pupil’s ‘home’ local authority must provide alternative education.

Governing bodies are legally required to consider parents' representations about an exclusion, and in some cases must also consider whether an excluded pupil should be reinstated. If parents disagree with the decision not to reinstate their child, they can request that it be considered by an independent review panel.

Searching, Screening and Confiscation

Where necessary, searching, screening and confiscation will be used to safeguard a child/children at Stoke Primary School. Stoke Primary School adheres to ‘Searching, Screening and Confiscation: Advice for Schools (May 2018).

Supporting documentation

• Anti Bullying Policy
• Attendance Policy
• Inclusion Policy
• Feedback Policy
• Physical Intervention Policy (Team Teach)
• Preventing Extremism
• Radicalisation Guidance
• Home School Agreement

An example of steps taken to support children to change their behaviour :