Code of Behaviour Policy

How our code was developed

Since the foundation of the school, high standards of behaviour, tolerance, courtesy, respect and good manners have been expected of the whole school community. Our formal written Code of Behaviour has been developed by the teaching staff in conjunction with parents, pupils, The Parents’ Association and The Board of Management.  This policy is subject to regular review.  Our Behaviour Policy emphasises a positive approach to behaviour. In line with section 10 of the Education (Admissions to School ) Act 2018 this policy will be published on our school website. hollyparkbns.ie

Behaviour Policy

In accordance with our mission statement (Appendix 1) the Code of behaviour of St. Patrick’s B.N.S. Aims:

1. To allow the school to function in a safe orderly and effective manner.          
2. To provide guidance for pupils, teachers and parents on behavioural expectations.
3. To enable teachers to teach without disruption
4. To promote positive behaviour and relationships.
5. To foster the development of a sense of responsibility and self-discipline in pupils based on respect, consideration and tolerance of others.
6. To facilitate the education and development of every child.
7. To develop pupils’ self-esteem.
8. To foster caring attitudes to one another and to the greater school/immediate environment.
9. To ensure that the system of rules, rewards and sanctions is implemented in a fair and consistent manner.
10. To create a happy school culture within which all pupils and staff feel safe and respected and are able to go about their business with the support of the parent body.

Implementation

Every member of the school community has a role to play in the implementation of the Code of Behaviour. The emphasis will be on positive behaviour and rules will be kept to a minimum and applied in a fair and consistent manner, with due regard to the age of the pupils and to individual difference. Good behaviour will be encouraged and rewarded. Where difficulties arise, parents will be contacted at an early stage. If a parent has any worries in relation to behaviour, we encourage them to contact the school following the usual procedure. (The class teacher being the first contact). See complaints procedure for further detail or the Information Booklet given to parents on enrolment.

General Guidelines for Positive Behaviour

1. Pupils are expected to treat all adults and fellow pupils with respect and courtesy at all times. Behaviour that interferes with the rights of others to learn and to feel safe is unacceptable
2. Pupils are expected to show respect for all school property and to keep the school environment clean and litter free.
3. Pupils are expected to take pride in their appearance, to have all books and required materials and to be in the right place at the right time.
4. Pupils are expected to obey a teacher’s instructions, to work to the best of their ability and to present assignments neatly.
5. Pupils are expected to attend every day unless there is a genuine reason for absence, in which case the school must be informed in writing, stating the reason for absence.

Bullying 

Bullying is deliberate on-going persistent behaviour, causing physical pain or emotional distress.  The teachers, parents, pupils and Board of Management of St. Patrick’s B.N.S. have identified the following types of behaviour:                                                                                           

1. Physical bullying: hurting, hitting, shoving, kicking etc
2. Verbal bullying: derogatory remarks about a child’s appearance, clothing, schoolwork, family, family circumstances, ability at sport, art etc.
3. Constant interference with or demanding of another child’s possessions, books, lunch, money, clothes etc.
4. Deliberate exclusion of one child by a group, while at the same time letting the child know he is the topic of conversation.
5. The use of devices, such as mobile phones, computer technology etc. to cause distress.

Affirming Positive Behaviour

Positive reinforcement of good behaviour leads to better self-discipline and we place a greater emphasis on rewards and incentives than on sanctions. 

Strategies/Incentives

• A quiet word or gesture to show approval.
• A comment on a child’s exercise book.
• A visit to another class or Principal for commendation.
• Praise in front of class group.
• Individual class merit awards, points awards or award stamps.
• Delegating some special responsibility or privilege.
• Written or verbal communication with parent.
• Class Dojo 

Discouraging Misbehaviour

The purpose of sanctions and other strategies is to promote positive behaviour and discourage misbehaviour. Sanctions will be applied according to the gravity of the misbehaviour, with due regard to age and emotional development. These may include:

• Reasoning with pupil.
• Verbal reprimand including advice on how to improve.
• Prescribing extra work.
• Temporary separation from peers within class and/or temporary removal to another class.
• Loss of privileges.
• Communication with parents.
• Referral to Principal.
• Principal communicating with parents.
• Exclusion (Suspension or Expulsion) from school (in accordance with Rule 130 of the Rules for National Schools as amended by circular and Education Welfare Act 2000).

Suspension/Expulsion

Before serious sanctions such as detention, suspension or expulsion are used, the normal channels of communication between school and parents will be utilised. Communication with parents may be verbal or by letter depending on the circumstances.

For gross misbehaviour or repeated instances of serious misbehaviour suspension may be considered. Parents concerned will be invited to come to the school to discuss their child’s case.  Aggressive, threatening or violent behaviour towards a teacher or pupil will be regarded as serious or gross misbehaviour.

Where there are repeated instances of serious misbehaviour, the Chairperson of the Board of Management will be informed and the parents will be requested in writing to attend at the school to meet the Chairperson and the principal.  If the parents do not give an undertaking that the pupil will behave in an acceptable manner in the future the pupil may be suspended for a period.  Prior to suspension, where possible, the Principal may review the case in consultation with teachers and other members of the school community involved, with due regard to records of previous misbehaviours, their pattern and context, sanctions and other interventions used and their outcomes and any relevant medical information. Suspension will be in accordance with the Rules for National Schools and the Education Welfare Act 2000.

In the case of gross misbehaviour, where it is necessary to ensure that order and discipline are maintained and to secure the safety of pupils and staff the Board may authorise the Chairperson or Principal to sanction an immediate suspension for a period not exceeding three school days, pending a discussion of the matter with the parents.

Expulsion may be considered in an extreme case, in accordance with the Rules for National Schools and the Education Welfare Act 2000.  Before suspending or expelling a pupil, the Board shall notify the Local Welfare Education Officer in writing in accordance with Section 24 of the Education Welfare Act. (Appendix 1)

Removal of Suspension (Reinstatement)

Following or during a period of suspension, the parent/s may apply to have the pupil reinstated to the school. The parent/s must give a satisfactory undertaking that a suspended pupil will behave in accordance with the school code and the Principal must be satisfied that the pupil’s reinstatement will not constitute a risk to the pupil’s own safety or that of the other pupils or staff. The Principal will facilitate the preparation of a behaviour plan for the pupil if required and will re-admit the pupil formally to the class.

School Rules 

School rules are kept to a minimum and are devised with regard for the health, safety and welfare of all members of the school community. If a school is to function efficiently, it is necessary that rules and regulations are clearly stated and enforced consistently and fairly. A sample of “Classroom Rules” and “Rules around the School” is appended. (Appendix 2)

Before/After School 

Parents are reminded that the staff of the school does not accept responsibility for pupils before official opening time of 8.40 a.m. or after the official closing time of 1.25 p.m. (infants) 2.25 p.m. (other classes) except where pupils are engaged in an extra-curricular activity organised by the school and approved by the Board of Management. Pupils involved in any school related activities are expected to behave in accordance with school behaviour policy during these times.

Board of Management’s Responsibilities

• Provide a comfortable, safe environment.
• Support the Principal and staff in implementing the code.
• Ratify the code.

Principal’s Responsibilities

•   Promote a positive climate in the school.
•   Ensure that the Code of Behaviour is implemented in a fair and consistent manner.
•   Major incidents logged in Serious Incident Book
•   Arrange for review of the Code, as required.
•   Support class teachers in implementing individual behaviour charts for their pupils –where necessary

Teachers’ Responsibilities

Support and implement the school’s code of behaviour.

• Create a safe working environment for each pupil.
• Recognise and affirm good work.
• Prepare school work and correct work done by pupils.
• Be courteous, consistent and fair.
• Keep opportunities for disruptive behaviour to a minimum.
• Deal appropriately with misbehaviour. When necessary – implement individual behaviour charts for pupils in consultation with the principal.
• Minor incidents logged in Yard Book.
• Keep a record of instances of serious misbehaviour or repeated instances of misbehaviour.
• Provide support for colleagues.
• Communicate with parents when necessary and provide reports on matters of mutual concern.

Recognise and provide for individual talents and differences among pupils.

Pupils’ Responsibilities

• Attend school regularly and punctually.
• Listen to their teachers and act on instructions/advice.
• Show respect for all members of the school community.
• Respect all school property and the property of other pupils.
• Avoid behaving in any way which would endanger others.
• Avoid all nasty remarks, swearing and name-calling.
• Include other pupils in games and activities.
• Bring correct materials/books to school.
• Follow school and class rules.

Parents/Guardians’ Responsibilities                     

A synopsis of this policy is contained in the “Safety and Discipline Code” booklet which is issued to the parents/guardians of pupils entering the school.

Implementation Date

Ratified by Board of Management 

Chairperson’s Signature: 

Reviewed April 2020