St Mary’s Catholic Primary School
Behaviour Policy
Mission Statement
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(Matthew 18:20)
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Introduction
Effective teaching and learning can only happen in an orderly and calm environment where there is an expectation of good behaviour. Its promotion is concerned with maintaining order, helping our children to have a clear perception of what is right and wrong, and an appreciation of others’ needs. Its successful creation requires a mutually supportive school and parent partnership.
The Role of the Governing Body
The Governing Body has a responsibility to establish the general principles of good behaviour and for supporting the teaching staff to uphold a high standard of discipline in the School. This policy statement provides the framework in which the Headteacher is able to implement a code of conduct on a daily basis.
The role of the Headteacher
The Headteacher is required to determine what is an acceptable standard of behaviour and establish measures, which will:
 promote self-discipline and a respect for authority.
 encourage good behaviour and respect for others.
 maintain an acceptable standard of behaviour.
The role of the class teacher
Although a well planned, challenging curriculum is important in motivating pupils and reducing disciplinary difficulties, disruptive behaviour can still happen. In the classroom, each teacher uses their judgement and develops strategies for addressing classroom misconduct within the
School’s behaviour policy. There is an effective system of hierarchical support for teachers when pupils do not respond to their strategies.
Rewards and punishments.
We recognise and reward good behaviour by positive reinforcement, including public commendation and praise, merit certificates, house points, and stickers.
St Mary’s Catholic Primary School is the trading name of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School (Academy Trust), Swindon, registered in
England and Wales under 07697658, registered office Bessemer Road East, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN2 1PE

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Unacceptable behaviour is dealt with by such deterrents as withdrawal of privileges, loss of breaktimes, and additional work, which can be sent home with an explanatory note to the parents.
The Headteacher and teachers have the legal authority to impose reasonable sanctions, with the following criteria:
 a distinction is made between serious and minor misbehaviour, and single and continuous acts of minor misbehaviour.
 consistency and fairness.
 a whole group is not punished for the action of an individual.
 ringleaders are identified.
Short periods of detention at the end of the day can be used, but due to the age of our children, it is rarely used.
If a pupil does not accept a punishment, a teacher consults a senior member of staff. Should a pupil still refuse to accept the punishment, the parents will be contacted immediately.
In accordance with current legislation, the Headteacher reserves the right to suspend or expel a pupil for a serious, or a series of less serious but continuous breaches of the acceptable code of behaviour.
Partnership with parents.
Parental support is essential for the cultivation of an environment where good behaviour is the accepted norm. We actively seek parents’ support and notify them at an early stage when we have concerns so they are aware of the concern and are involved in a successful outcome. When necessary, a written home-school agreement supports the remedial action.
Parental responsibility extends beyond simply ensuring their child attends school. Parents are responsible for ensuring their children arrive on time dressed in the school uniform, behave socially in a manner acceptable to all, bring the necessary books or equipment, and complete any homework properly and promptly.
Culpable damage to school property will be charged to parents.
School attendance
We expect and monitor good and prompt school attendance, and all absences require parental explanation.
Bullying and racial and sexual harassment
Bullying is premeditated aggression which continues over a period of time and generally forms a behaviour pattern. We do not tolerate bullying, whether physical or verbal, and encourage children to report its incidence in confidence to a member of staff. On each reported occasion, we act and are seen to act firmly against it.
St Mary’s Catholic Primary School is the trading name of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School (Academy Trust), Swindon, registered in
England and Wales under 07697658, registered office Bessemer Road East, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN2 1PE

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Pupils are also expected to bring to staff concerns regarding racial and sexual harassment, which can take many forms. We endeavour to foster appropriate behaviour through our personal, social and moral education programme.
External support services.
Sometimes it is necessary to involve external agencies to seek their advice in how to manage consistent disruptive behaviour.
The aims of promoting good behaviour
 to develop a clear understanding of right and wrong and an appreciation of the difference.
 to instil in pupils high standards of good behaviour based on the Catholic principles of self respect and respect for rights of others and their property.
 to promote self discipline, and empower each pupil to mature as a valued member of the
Catholic Christian community.
 to create the environment for an orderly community in which effective teaching and learning takes place, and in which there is mutual respect amongst all members.
 to secure a consistent approach to the maintenance of high standards of behaviour throughout the School.
The School’s Rules
For children:

Do not enter the School grounds before quarter nine, but arrive promptly between 8.45 and 8.55am wearing the school uniform.

Treat others as you would wish to be treated - with honesty, fairness and politeness, and respect their property.
 Comply with the teachers’ and support staffs’ instructions for good behaviour and order.
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Walk quietly in single file and on the left along the corridor and up and down the stairs.

Valuables, toys, dangerous items, and jewellery must be left at home. Only stud earrings may be worn which have to be either removed for P.E. or taped up. Mobile phones may
St Mary’s Catholic Primary School is the trading name of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School (Academy Trust), Swindon, registered in
England and Wales under 07697658, registered office Bessemer Road East, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN2 1PE

4 be brought into school by arrangement with the class teacher. They must be handed to the class teacher for safe keeping during the day.

At the end of the day, unless you are attending an after-school activity, leave school by
3.20pm. If the person you are expecting to collect you has not come, return to your teacher or the Headteacher.

Tell your teacher if you are being physically or verbally bullied. It will be dealt with discreetly.

You require written permission to bring your bicycle to school.
For parents:

Vehicles are to be left outside the school grounds, taking care to preserve good relationships with our neighbours by not parking across drives, on grass verges or double parking.
 For the children’s’ security and health and safety, do not wait in the corridor or cloakrooms at the end of the school day. They will meet you in the playground, and if they are in KS 1 (4 - 7 years old) they will be accompanied by their teacher. Parents with pre-school aged children waiting in the playground are solely responsible for their children’s safety and good behaviour whilst on the school premises.
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All medication is to be handed in to, and collected from the appointed Teaching Assistant by a responsible adult, completing and signing the medication authorisation form.

Children being picked up early must be collected from the classroom by a known adult with prior notification.
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Dogs must not be brought onto the grounds.
Rewards and punishments
Good behaviour is positively supported by rewards, which include:
 personal and public commendation and praise
 house points
 merit certificates
 additional responsibilities
 stickers
Inappropriate behaviour is discouraged by:
St Mary’s Catholic Primary School is the trading name of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School (Academy Trust), Swindon, registered in
England and Wales under 07697658, registered office Bessemer Road East, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN2 1PE

 withdrawal of privileges
 loss of break time/lunchtime
 additional work sent home with an explanatory note to parents
For continued aggression, children are sent home for up to five lunchtimes.
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Addressing unacceptable behaviour
Each teacher is responsible for establishing and maintaining a code of conduct in their class, which is conducive to a quality teaching and learning environment. Within the framework of the
School’s behaviour policy, teachers develop their own strategies for encouraging good behaviour and deterring unacceptable behaviour and attitudes. Class rules are negotiated between the class teacher and the pupils in class.
There is a hierarchical system of support for the class teacher when a pupil persists in misbehaving. In the first instance, the support of the teacher’s line manager is enlisted. If this is not successful, it is referred to the Deputy Head and finally the Head. If the incident is serious, or other senior colleagues are otherwise engaged, the Head is available for support at any of these stages.
Parents are informed in instances of serious misbehaviour and at an early stage of continued minor misdemeanours, so they may be involved in helping to successfully rectify the problem.
A pupil’s unacceptable behaviour may be the result of factors beyond the School’s domain, such as social and emotional difficulties arising from an unstable and unsupportive family background. Whilst we do not permit such factors to condone bad behaviour, through our pastoral and special needs support we act to mitigate its effects as far as possible. Advice can be sought informally from colleagues in school, as well as parents, before the pupil is placed on the
School’s Code of Practice.
At Playtime.
It is expected that all children can play happily in the playground, without fear of aggression.
 Our ‘Hands Off’ policy deters aggressive play or contact.
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The quiet garden area is reserved for sitting and talking.
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Children are not permitted to play out of sight of the duty teacher
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At the Headteacher’s discretion, the sports field and grass area around the playground can be used when the ground is dry. Neighbours are not to be disturbed.
St Mary’s Catholic Primary School is the trading name of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School (Academy Trust), Swindon, registered in
England and Wales under 07697658, registered office Bessemer Road East, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN2 1PE

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When the whistle blows, stand still and silent. Classes go in when called by the teacher on duty.
Assembly
Assembly is a time for quiet reflection and thinking about Jesus and ourselves.
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Walk silently into the hall, sit down and listen to the music.
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Listen carefully to the assembly message.
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Walk out of the hall silently at the end of the assembly.
Lunchtime
Good manners and politeness is expected when children are eating their lunch whether in the classroom or in the hall. In the hall year 5 and 6 children act as servers, helping and supporting the younger children. In year 6, the children who have packed lunch take their lunch in key stage
1 classes where they act as role models for the younger children and assist the midday supervisors appointed to that classroom. They then take it in turns to hoover the classroom and help tidy up. The following rules apply:

Go to the toilet and wash your hands before going to the hall.
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Walk silently into the hall and sit down in allocated places ready to say grace.
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Do not talk when you have food in your mouth. At other times, talk quietly to children on your table.
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Remain in your seat. If there is anything you require, put your hand up and one of the midday supervisors or older children will help you.
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When you have finished eating and have been given permission to leave, put your chair under the table before leaving.
Corridors and Staircases
Accidents can occur in the corridors and staircases when a large number of children are using them.
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Walk in single file on the left hand side of the corridor.
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Walk up and down the staircase in single file on the left, one step at a time, holding onto the rail.
St Mary’s Catholic Primary School is the trading name of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School (Academy Trust), Swindon, registered in
England and Wales under 07697658, registered office Bessemer Road East, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN2 1PE

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St Mary’s Catholic Primary School is the trading name of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School (Academy Trust), Swindon, registered in
England and Wales under 07697658, registered office Bessemer Road East, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN2 1PE