Appleton Thorn Primary School

This is a statement of principles, not practice.

Practical applications of these principles are the responsibility of the Headteacher. 

The Governors at Appleton Thorn Primary School, believe that high standards of behaviour lie at the heart of a successful school and enable children to make the best possible progress in all aspects of their school life. 

The purpose of this statement is to give guidance to the Headteacher in drawing up the behaviour policy by stating the principles the Governors expect to be followed. The Headteacher has a duty to publish the statement on the school website. 

The Headteacher will develop the Behaviour Policy with reference to the DfE guidance documents.

Principles:

• All children, staff and visitors have the right to feel safe, valued and respected, and learn free from the disruption of others

• Appleton Thorn Primary is an inclusive school and all pupils, staff and visitors are free from any form of discrimination

• Staff and volunteers set an excellent example to pupils at all times

• Rewards, sanctions and reasonable force are known, understood and used consistently by staff, in line with the behaviour policy

• Governors would like to see a wide range of rewards, consistently and fairly applied in such a way to reward good behaviour around the school.

• The behaviour policy and associated school rules are understood by pupils and staff

• It is recognised that the use of rewards and sanctions must have regards to the individual situation and the individual student and the Headteacher is expected to use their discretion in their use. Sanctions however should be applied fairly, consistently, proportionally and reasonably, taking into account SEND, disability and the needs of vulnerable children, offering support as necessary 

• The behaviour policy explains that exclusions will only be used as a last resort, and outlines the processes involved in permanent and fixed-term exclusions

• Pupils are helped to take responsibility for their actions

• Governors expect pupils and parents to cooperate to maintain an orderly climate for learning.

• Families are involved in behaviour incidents to foster good relationships between the school and pupils’ home life

The governing board also emphasises that violence or threatening behaviour or abuse by pupils or parents towards the school staff will not be tolerated. If a parent does not conduct themself properly, the school may ban them from the school premises and, if they continue to cause disturbance, he or she may be liable to prosecution. 

The governors expect the Headteacher to include guidance and clarification for staff on their powers to search (for banned items), to use reasonable force (make physical contact with children), and to discipline pupils for misbehaviour outside school (including notifying police) witnessed by a member of staff or reported to school when: 

• Taking part in school organised or related activity

• Travelling to or from school

• Wearing school uniform or in some other way identifiable as a pupil.