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BEHAVIOUR POLICY
The Governing Body approved this Policy in: February 2013
Amendment added: February 2014
Signed: …………………………………………………………………………………………………. Chair of Governors
Signed: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Headteacher
Review date: As Required
BEHAVIOUR POLICY
SECTION 1: THE POLICY
Barking Abbey is committed to promoting respect, fairness and social inclusion and these are the principles
underlying the behaviour policy. We will comply with equalities legislation and the duty to promote the well-being
of students. Therefore we are committed to improving outcomes for all students and eliminating all forms of
discrimination, harassment and bullying, as well as promoting equality of opportunity, the welfare of students and
good relations across the whole school community.
The policy will be applied with consistency and fairness. The emphasis will be on encouraging positive
behaviour through a rewards system and positive management in lessons to minimise the incidences of
disruptive behaviour. The application of sanctions will be graduated and appropriate to the level of poor
behaviour. All students can expect sanctions to be applied firmly, fairly, proportionately, consistently and
reasonably.
The Governing Body will monitor, evaluate and review the behaviour policy annually.
THE AIMS OF THIS POLICY ARE:
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To promote and reward good behaviour.
To develop self-discipline and respect where each student learns to accept responsibility for his/her
actions.
To prevent bullying.
To establish an understanding that students complete all academic tasks enabling them to reach
their full potential.
To develop acceptable rules that regulates the conduct of students.
To develop a consistent approach to behaviour throughout the school with parental co-operation
and involvement, with parents encouraging their children to show that respect and support the
school’s authority to discipline its pupils.
To provide positive learning environment in which students feel safe.
To ensure that all pupils show respect and courtesy towards teachers and other staff and towards
each other.
AT BARKING ABBEY WE BELIEVE
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In a consistent approach to behaviour management where staff, governors, parents/carers and
students understand and accept high expectations of behaviour which are consistent.
That strong school leadership at all levels is key to promoting self-discipline and respect with
students feeling safe. Their right to participate and learn without disruption is paramount. It is key
that students’ needs are met through a curriculum that is tailored to their abilities and aspirations,
ensuring that students complete assigned work and the conduct of all pupils is regulated to the
appropriate standard.
Staff must have a clear understanding of the strategies needed to ensure high standards of
classroom management. This encompasses a clear understanding of the actions needed to
encourage good behaviour by pupils, i.e. respect for other students, a focus on set tasks, a
curriculum that is both challenging and fair and delivered in a supportive and focused environment.
All staff, students and parents must understand the school’s Rewards and Sanctions systems,
which need to be clear and defined so that students fully understand what is required to gain
appropriate recognition for their work and behaviour, but also to be aware of what will be accepted
and tolerated. We expect everyone to be honest, accept responsibility for their actions, respect the
rights and property of others, take into consideration students’ views, understand the
consequences of negative and unacceptable actions in order to develop a culture of self-discipline
in all areas.
The consistent implementation of accepted behaviour strategies is key in ensuring that students
appreciate and adhere to accepted good practice. Continual reinforcement is essential.
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Continued staff development on the understanding of the school’s expectations by governors,
teaching staff, SSAs, learning mentors and students is essential.
Pupil support systems are essential if positive and supportive behaviour structures are to be
effective with clearly defined processes, actions and consequences laid out in an appropriate and
logical manner which is understood by all.
Effective links with parents are vital. Two-way communication and methods of discussing policies
and procedures is essential. Parents should be made fully aware of the accepted processes when
liaison between school and the home occurs. Similarly, support from external agencies should
have set structures and processes so that smooth dissemination of information can take place with
the processes understood by all.
The development of a clear and simple process with appropriate external agencies is vital to the
managing of pupil transition to other educational providers.
A clear and detailed list of organisations, support teams and facilities must be available and
accessible to the school, pupils and parents.
This behaviour policy acknowledges the school’s legal duties in respect of safeguarding and in
respect of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
There should be positive transition through Key Stages with appropriate induction programmes at
each transition stage including the use of internal and external support agencies to enable a clear
transition process known by all, i.e. staff, governors and parents.
Behaviour procedures should support and reflect the school’s disciplinary process.
THIS POLICY WILL:
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Define acceptable and unacceptable standards of behaviour.
Enable the school to provide a positive, supportive and safe environment for students and staff.
Ensure that the school’s expectations and strategies are widely known and understood.
Encourage pride and respect for the school and uphold its good name at all times.
Promote care, respect and consideration for others.
Promote consistency of response to both positive and negative behaviour.
Promote self-esteem, self-discipline and positive relationships.
Clarify the roles and responsibilities of students, staff and parents.
Ensure that the Governing Body and Headteacher deal with allegations against teachers and other
school staff quickly, fairly and consistently in a way that protects the pupil and at the same time
supports the person who is the subject of the allegation
SECTION 2: STRATEGIES AND EXPECTATIONS
EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES
We, the staff at Barking Abbey, acknowledge that behaviour is best when:
 Lessons are well prepared, differentiated, interesting and enjoyable.
 There is effective teacher management of classroom protocols, e.g. where students sit.
 We have a clear Whole School Behaviour Policy that is open and transparent and understood by
all.
 Good behaviour is taught through positive experiences, reinforcement and consistency.
 We reward good behaviour and good work.
 We work together as a team and communicate effectively with each other.
 We engage students and use their skills where appropriate.
 We engage and communicate well with parents.
 We always challenge unacceptable behaviour, even minor incidents.
 We use our established school-based resources appropriately to ensure all the above are
implemented effectively.
 We liaise positively with relevant outside agencies.
 We always follow through on sanctions and ensure these are tiered and consistent across all
departments and year groups.
EXPECTATIONS
STUDENTS
Every student is expected to be aware of, understand and follow the codes of behaviour.
GENERAL CODE OF BEHAVIOUR
At Barking Abbey we will:
 Treat pupils, staff, visitors and the local community with courtesy and consideration.
 Respect each other’s property, individuality, culture and background.
 Be responsible for our own behaviour and ensure that school and our neighbourhoods are safe and
happy places for everyone.
 Strive to achieve our true potential and support others to do the same.
 Attend school regularly, on time, wearing the correct school uniform.
 Complete all set homework to the expected standard and ensure that it is handed in on time.
 Know that any behaviour that falls short of our expectations will be dealt with appropriately and
reasonably.
ALL GOOD BEHAVIOUR IS BASED UPON COMMON SENSE, GOOD MANNERS AND MUTUAL
RESPECT
The following will not be tolerated:
 Using offensive, insulting or intimidating language or swearing, either verbally or electronically.
 Any form of violence, bullying or intimidation.
 Disrupting teaching, learning or examinations.
 The malicious setting off of fire alarms
 Making malicious allegations against the school or any individuals therein
 The bringing onto school premises, or the use of or carrying of, any prohibited items as per the 1996
Education Act:
 knives and weapons (real or imitation or sharp or dangerous objects)
 laser pens
 alcohol
} including being (under the influence of)
 illegal drugs (including solvents)
} including being (under the influence of)
 stolen items
 tobacco and cigarette papers (including matches and lighters)
 e-cigarettes and shisha pens
 fireworks
 pornographic images
 any article that has been or is likely to be used to commit an offence, cause personal injury, or
damage to property
 any items banned by school rules:
o chewing gum
o mobile phones
o music players
o any items likely to cause offence or hurt
Any such behaviour will be considered a serious breach of the behaviour policy and the sanctions that
this entails
(Staff may search students for any prohibited or banned items without their consent - see section on
Searching and Confiscation)
The following will not be accepted:
 Absence, lateness, temporary or early departure from lessons or school without written permission.
 Improper school dress that does not conform to the school uniform.
 The wearing of hats and sunglasses in the building; or the wearing of hooded tops at any time.
 Spitting.
 Eating and drinking fizzy drinks except in the canteen and designated areas around the school. (Students
are allowed to drink water including in lessons at the discretion of the classroom teacher).
 Dropping litter.
 Running in the school corridors.
 Climbing on the school roof or any other part of the school building.
 If there is a need to bring a mobile phone to school for a particular reason, it must be turned off at all times
and handed in to reception whilst on the school premises. As a school we will not be responsible for their
safety and security if students do not follow this procedure.
PUPILS’ CONDUCT OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL GATES – TEACHERS’ POWERS
WHAT THE LAW ALLOWS:
Teachers have a statutory power to discipline pupils for misbehaving outside of the school premises. Section 89
(5) of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 gives head teachers a specific statutory power to regulate pupils’
behaviour in these circumstances “to such extent as is reasonable.”
Teachers may discipline a pupil for any misbehaviour when the child is:
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Taking part in any school-organised or school-related activity or
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Travelling to or from school or
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Wearing the school uniform or
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In some other way identifiable as a pupil at the school
or misbehaviour at any time, whether or not the conditions above apply, that:
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Could have repercussions for the orderly running of the school or
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Poses a threat to another pupil or member of the public or
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Could adversely affect the reputation of the school
SECTION 3: SCHOOL RULES
ALL GOOD BEHAVIOUR IS BASED UPON COMMON SENSE, GOOD MANNERS AND MUTUAL
RESPECT
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Conduct must be courteous and orderly at all times whether in or out of school.
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The school uniform (as described in the letter to parents) is to be worn.
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Homework is an integral part of school life and should be properly completed to the best of each individual’s
ability. It is to be handed in on time.
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The school playing field, leisure centre and other specialist rooms are out of bounds, unless pupils are given
permission by the Head of Site or delegated member(s) of staff.
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All litter should be put in the bins provided.
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Only use air flow balls in playgrounds.
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Keep your hands, feet and objects to yourself.
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Staff are not responsible for the loss of any banned item.
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School commences at 8.30am and 1.40pm. Students late three times in one week will be placed in
detention for an appropriate length of time decided by the Pastoral Co-ordinator – this will include being late
for lessons.
ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR IN SPECIFIC AREAS
THE DINING ROOM
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Students to line up in an orderly manner.
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Food and drink must be consumed in the dining room.
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Return your trays and cutlery to the designated areas, leaving your table clear and tidy.
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Be courteous and polite to all others in the dining hall.
THE LIBRARY
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Leave your bag and outdoor clothing in the designated area.
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Keep noise to the minimum.
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Do not interrupt other students when they are working.
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Do not look at or download inappropriate material from the internet.
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Do not chew or drink.
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Do not use mobile phones.
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Do not use MP3 players or other kinds of personal stereos.
IN THE CLASSROOM
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Respect yourself, others and your environment in your lessons.
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Students are to come into the classroom and settle quickly with all the necessary equipment out of bags and
ready to start work.
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Students are to make sure they are dressed in the correct school uniform and have all the necessary
equipment.
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Follow the routines agreed with your teacher at the start of the year.
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Follow instructions given by the teacher without discussion.
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Sit where you are asked by the teacher.
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Listen to the teacher and to other students when they are contributing to the lesson.
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Make your best effort at all times.
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Do not call out during a lesson.
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Leave the classroom quietly and calmly.
SECTION 4: SANCTIONS AND CONSEQUENCES
(DISPLAYED IN THE CLASSROOM)
ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SANCTIONS MAY BE APPLIED AS APPROPRIATE ACCORDING TO CIRCUMSTANCES
1. First verbal warning.
2. Reprimanded by teacher and tiered set of consequences given by subject teacher, e.g. moved seat, spoken
to at the end of class, detention, removal of privileges, community service, given an event, letter/phone call
home. If a wide range of strategies have been used then refer to the HOD.
3. Detentions
WHAT THE LAW ALLOWS:
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Teachers have a legal power to put pupils (aged under 18) in detention.
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Barking Abbey school uses detention as a sanction.
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School hours are officially 8.20 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. Detentions can be during breaks or between 2.40 –
3.00 p.m.
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The times outside normal school hours when detention can be given (the ‘permitted day of detention’)
include:
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Any school day where the pupil does not have permission to be absent;
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Weekends – except the weekend preceding or following the half term break; and
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Non-teaching days – usually referred to as ‘training days’, ‘INSET days’ or ‘non-contact days’
All members of staff, including support staff, can impose detentions.
MATTERS SCHOOLS SHOULD CONSIDER WHEN IMPOSING DETENTIONS
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Parental consent is not required for detentions.
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As with any disciplinary penalty a member of staff must act reasonably, when imposing a detention.
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With lunchtime and break time detentions, staff should allow reasonable time for the pupil to eat, drink
and use the toilet.
DETENTIONS OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS
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School staff should not issue a detention where they know that doing so would compromise a child’s
safety. When ensuring that a detention outside school hours is reasonable, staff issuing the detention
will consider the following points:
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Whether the detention is likely to put the pupil at risk.
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Whether the pupil has known caring responsibilities which mean that the detention is unreasonable
and depending on circumstance.
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Parents may be informed of the detention, depending on the circumstances.
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Whether suitable travel arrangements can be made by the parent for the pupil. It does not matter if
making these arrangements is inconvenient for the parent.
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For detentions which are outside normal school hours, parents will be informed and 24 hours’
notice given via the school planner.
4. Referral to HOD. HOD sets out interventions – contacts parents/gives departmental detention/removal from
class/places student on departmental report as appropriate – HOD informs subject teacher(s) of
interventions being used. HOD informs PC of action taken via Events or e-mail. If student does not respond
to HOD actions then progress to Point 5.
5. Referral to PC. PC arranges interview with parents after discussing the most appropriate action plan with
key staff, i.e. SENCO, SSAs, LMs, LSUs, Heads of Site, outside agencies, etc. PC records action plan.
(This is recorded on Events). If student does not respond, this will lead to the following consequences.
6. Referred to SLT (Head of Site) for SLT detention or whatever further action is deemed appropriate after
discussion with PC.
7. Student placed on a Positive Behaviour Report (PBP).
8. Internal Exclusion– Skills Zone/Isolation for specific offences.
9. Student placed on a Pastoral Support Programme if they are in danger of permanent exclusion.
10. Student placed in off-site provision as appropriate for a fixed period, e.g. at the Tuition Centre.
11. Interview with Head Teacher for final warning before governors’ involvement.
12. Appearance before a Panel of governors for a final warning before formal Governor involvement
13. Formal fixed-term exclusion of less than 15 days in one term.
14. Formal fixed-term exclusion of more than 15 days in one term, to go before Governor’s Disciplinary
Committee.
15. Throughout the above process, learning and/or academic mentors, SSA, Pastoral Co-ordinators, Deputy
Pastoral Co-ordinators, Key Workers, and PSA will monitor the student on a regular basis to ensure that all
relevant meetings have up-to-date information. Support will be given to students during this period to enable
them to meet targets and overcome areas of difficulty.
16. Permanent Exclusion will be considered for either a single serious incident; or a consistent refusal
to adhere to the school’s rules and standards of expected behaviour; or for the possession or use of
any of the prohibited items as described in Section 2.
17. Serious incidents will be reported immediately to the Pastoral Co-ordinator or Deputy Pastoral Co-ordinator.
Students referred as a result of a serious incident will be dealt with in accordance with the Serious Incident
Procedure – see below.
SERIOUS INCIDENT PROCEDURE
Should an incident of an extremely serious nature take place in school, e.g. a fight or unacceptable verbal
aggression, the following procedure should take place:
1. The Pastoral Co-ordinator or the member of the SLT on-call should be contacted immediately. In
his/her absence the Head of Site should be informed directly, or the on-call Senior Leadership Team
member.
2. The Pastoral Co-ordinator should inform the Head of Site and/or Deputy Head Teacher.
3. The Head of Site and/or the Deputy Head Teacher (depending on timetable) will remove the pupil from
lessons. The Pastoral Co-ordinator will contact the parents.
4. The pupil should then remain at school but off timetable and supervised by Pastoral
Co-ordinator/Assistant Head Teacher/Deputy Head Teacher/Head of Site or, if possible, placed in the
Isolation Room (as appropriate).
5. Parents should be asked to attend at the school at a set time for an interview with the Pastoral
Co-ordinator/Senior Teacher or Deputy Head Teacher in any combination which the timetable allows.
6. If a serious incident occurs, all staff and students involved or who intervened in the event should have a
statement taken by an appropriate member of staff who has not been directly involved (e.g. Head of
Year, Head of Site or member of SLT) – such statements should be written, signed, timed and dated.
Students who are interviewed and make a written statement should have a second member of staff
present to ensure fairness of process and procedure, acting in loco parentis.
7. Following a thorough investigation into the incident, the Headteacher may take the decision to impose a
fixed-term or permanent exclusion. In doing so, the school will follow the guidance given by the DFE in
its document “Exclusion from Maintained Schools, Academies and Pupil Referral Units in England”
8. Serious incidents may also be referred to the school-based police officer. Their involvement may result
in formal police action being taken as well as the school’s processes and procedures being followed.
9. The school-based police officer may also be consulted by appropriate staff or Governors to ask for
clarification as to the police view of serious incidents or to issue warnings or advice to individual pupils
as to their current and future conduct.
SECTION 5: SCREENING, SEARCHING AND CONFISCATION
The Headteacher and staff authorised by him have a statutory power to search pupils or their possessions,
without consent, where they have reasonable grounds for suspecting that the pupil may have a prohibited item.
Prohibited items are:
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Knives or weapons
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Laser pens
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Alcohol
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Illegal drugs
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Stolen items
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Tobacco and cigarette papers
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E-cigarettes and shisha pens
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Fireworks
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Pornographic images
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Any article that the member of staff reasonably suspects has been, or is likely to be, used
i)
To commit an offence,
ii)
To cause personal injury to, or damage to the property of, any person (including the pupil)
The Head teacher and authorised staff can also search for any item banned by the school rules which has been
identified in the rules as an item which may be searched for
All incidents of a serious nature should be referred to a senior member of staff.
SCREENING
What the law allows:
 Barking Abbey School can require pupils to undergo screening by a walk-through or hand-held metal
detector (arch or wand) even if they do not suspect them of having a weapon and without the consent of
the pupils.
 Any member of school staff can screen pupils.
1. If a pupil refuses to be screened, the school may refuse to have the pupil on the premises. Health and
safety legislation requires the school to be managed in a way which does not expose pupils or staff to
risks to their health and safety and this would include making reasonable rules as a condition of
admittance.
2. If a pupil fails to comply, and the school does not let the pupil in, the school has not excluded the pupil
and the pupil’s absence should be treated as unauthorised. The pupil must comply with the rules and
attend.
3. This type of screening, without physical contact, is not subject to the same conditions as apply to the
powers to search without consent.
SEARCHING WITH CONSENT
Schools’ common law powers to search:
School staff can search pupils with their consent for any item.
Also note:
1. Barking Abbey School is not required to have formal written consent from the pupil for this sort of search
– it is enough for the teacher to ask the pupil to turn out his or her pockets or ask if the teacher can look
in the pupil’s bag or locker and for the pupil to agree.
2. If a member of staff suspects a pupil has a prohibited or banned item in his/her possession, they can
instruct the pupil to turn out his or her pockets or bag and if the pupil refuses, the teacher can apply an
appropriate punishment as set out in the school’s behaviour policy.
3. A pupil refusing to co-operate with such a search raises the same kind of issues as where a pupil
refuses to stay in a detention or refuses to stop any other unacceptable behaviour when instructed by a
member of staff – in such circumstances, the school will apply an appropriate disciplinary penalty.
SEARCHING WITHOUT CONSENT
Establishing grounds for a search
1. Members of staff can only undertake a search without consent if they have reasonable grounds for
suspecting that a pupil may have in his or her possession a prohibited item. The teacher must decide in
each particular case what constitutes reasonable grounds for suspicion. For example, they may have
heard other pupils talking about the item or they might notice a pupil behaving in a way that causes
them to be suspicious.
2. The member of staff conducting the search must be the same sex as the pupil being searched; and
there must be a witness (also a staff member) and, if at all possible, they should be the same sex as the
pupil being searched.
3. There is a limited exception to this rule. A member of staff can carry out a search of a pupil of the
opposite sex to them and without a witness present, but only where they reasonably believe that there is
a risk that serious harm will be caused to a person if they do not conduct the search immediately and
where it is not reasonably practicable to summon another member of staff.
4. In the exceptional circumstances when it is necessary to conduct a search of a pupil of the opposite sex
or in the absence of a witness, the member of staff conducting the search should bear in mind that a
pupil’s expectation of privacy increases as they get older.
5. A member of staff can search a student without consent if they believe they have a banned item as
identified in the school’s Behaviour Policy.
6. Authorised school staff can view CCTV footage in order to make a decision as to whether or conduct a
search for an item.
Searches for items banned by the school rules
1. An item banned by the school rules may only be searched for under these powers if it has been
identified in the school rules as an item that can be searched for.
DURING THE SEARCH
Extent of the search – clothes, possessions, desks and lockers
What the law says:
 The person conducting the search may not require the pupil to remove any clothing other than outer
clothing. ‘Outer clothing’ means clothing that is not worn next to the skin or immediately over a garment
that is being worn as underwear but ‘outer clothing’ includes hats; shoes; boots; gloves and scarves.
 The power to search without consent enables a personal search, involving removal of outer clothing and
searching of pockets; but not an intimate search going further than that, which only a person with more
extensive powers (e.g. a police officer) can do.
 ‘Possessions’ means any goods over which the pupil has or appears to have control – this includes
desks, lockers and bags.
 A pupil’s possessions can only be searched in the presence of the pupil and another member of staff,
except where there is a risk that serious harm will be caused to a person if the search is not conducted
immediately and where it is not reasonably practicable to summon another member of staff.
Lockers and desks
1. All Barking Abbey staff can search lockers and desks for any item. Barking Abbey School makes it a
condition of having a locker or desk that the pupil consents to have these searched for any item whether
or not the pupil is present.
(Use of force)
1. Members of staff can use such force as is reasonable given the circumstances when conducting a
search for knives or weapons, alcohol, illegal drugs, stolen items, tobacco and cigarette papers,
fireworks, pornographic images or articles that have been or could be used to commit an offence or
cause harm. Such force cannot be used to search for items banned under the school rules.)
AFTER THE SEARCH
The power to seize and confiscate items – general
What the law allows:
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A member of staff, as set out in Section 91 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006, can confiscate,
retain or dispose of a pupil’s property as a disciplinary penalty, where reasonable to do so.
A member of staff can use their discretion to confiscate, retain and/or destroy any item found as a result
of a ‘with consent’ search so long as it is reasonable in the circumstances. Where any article is thought
to be a weapon it must be passed to the police.
Staff have a defence to any complaint or other action brought against them. The law protects members
of staff from liability in any proceedings brought against them for any loss of, or damage to, any item
they have confiscated, provided they acted lawfully.
Items found as a result of a ‘without consent’ search
What the law says:
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A member of staff carrying out a search can seize anything they have reasonable grounds for
suspecting is a prohibited item (that is the items identified under the header SCREENING, SEARCHING AND
CONFISCATION) or is evidence in relation to an offence.
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If a member of staff conducting a search finds alcohol, they may retain or dispose of it and not return it
to the pupil.
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Where a member of staff finds controlled drugs, these must be delivered to the police as soon as
possible.
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Where a member of staff finds other substances which are not believed to be controlled drugs these
can be confiscated where a member of staff believes them to be harmful or detrimental to good order
and discipline. This would include, for example, so called ‘legal highs’. Where staff suspect a
substance may be controlled they should treat them as controlled drugs as outlined above.
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Where a member of staff finds stolen items, these must be delivered to the police as soon as
reasonably practicable. With regard to stolen items, it would not be reasonable or desirable to involve
the police in dealing with low value items such as pencil cases. However, school staff may judge it
appropriate to contact the police if the items are valuable (iPods/laptops) or illegal (alcohol/fireworks).
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Where a member of staff finds tobacco or cigarette papers they may retain or dispose of them. As
with alcohol, this means that schools can dispose of tobacco or cigarette papers as they think
appropriate but these should not be returned to the pupil.
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Fireworks found as a result of a search may be retained or disposed of but should not be returned to
the pupil.
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If a member of staff finds a pornographic image, they may dispose of the image unless its possession
constitutes a specified offence (i.e. it is extreme or child pornography) in which case it must be delivered
to the police as soon as reasonably practicable. Images found on a mobile phone or other electronic
device can be deleted unless it is necessary to pass item to the police.
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Where an article that has been (or could be) used to commit an offence or to cause personal
injury or damage to property is found it may be delivered to the police or returned to the owner. It
may also be retained or disposed of.
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Where a member of staff finds an item which is banned under the school rules they should take into
account all relevant circumstances and use their professional judgement to decide whether to return it to
its owner, retain it or dispose of it.
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Any weapons or items which are evidence of an offence must be passed to the police as soon as
possible.
Statutory guidance on the disposal of controlled drugs and stolen items
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School Staff should deliver stolen items or controlled drugs to the police.
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Where staff are unsure as to the legal status of a substance and have reason to believe it may be a
controlled drug they should treat it as such.
Statutory guidance for dealing with electronic devices
1. Where the member of staff conducting the search finds an electronic device they may examine any
data or files on the device if they think there is a good reason to do so. Following an examination, if the
member of staff has decided to return the device to the owner, or to retain or dispose of it, they may
erase any data or files, if they think there is a good reason to do so.
2. The member of staff must have regard to the following guidance issued by the Secretary of State when
determining what is a “good reason” for examining or erasing the contents of an electronic device:
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In determining a ‘good reason’ to examine or erase the data or files the staff member must
reasonably suspect that the data or file on the device in question has been, or could be,
used to cause harm, to disrupt teaching or break the school rules.
3. If inappropriate material is found on the device it is up to the member of staff to decide whether they
should delete that material, retain it as evidence (for a criminal offence or a breach of school discipline)
or whether the material is of such seriousness that it requires the involvement of the police.
Telling parents and dealing with complaints
1. Staff at Barking Abbey School are not required to inform parents before a search takes place or to seek
their consent to search their child.
2. Although there is no legal requirement to make or keep a record of a search, the school believes that
this should be good practice in all cases.
3. Barking Abbey School will inform the individual pupil’s parents or guardians where alcohol, illegal drugs
or potentially harmful substances are found, though there is no legal requirement to do so.
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4. Complaints about screening or searching should be dealt with through the normal school complaints
procedure.
SECTION 6: USE OF REASONABLE FORCE
What is reasonable force?
1) The term ‘reasonable force’ covers the broad range of actions used by most teachers at some point in
their career that involve a degree of physical contact with pupils.
2) Force is usually used either to control or restrain. This can range from guiding a pupil to safety by the
arm through to more extreme circumstances such as breaking up a fight or where a student needs to be
restrained to prevent violence or injury.
3) ‘Reasonable in the circumstances’ means using no more force than is needed.
4) As mentioned above, schools generally use force to control pupils and to restrain them. Control means
either passive physical contact, such as standing between pupils or blocking a pupil's path, or active
physical contact such as leading a pupil by the arm out of a classroom.
5) Restraint means to hold back physically or to bring a pupil under control. It is typically used in more
extreme circumstances, for example when two pupils are fighting and refuse to separate without
physical intervention.
6) School staff should always try to avoid acting in a way that might cause injury, but in extreme cases it
may not always be possible to avoid injuring the pupil.
7) Schools do not require parental consent to use force on a student.
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Who can use reasonable force?
1) All members of school staff have a legal power to use reasonable force. ( Education and Inspections Act
2006)
2) This power applies to any member of staff at the school. It can also apply to people whom the head
teacher has temporarily put in charge of pupils such as unpaid volunteers or parents accompanying
students on a school organised visit.
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When can reasonable force be used?
1. Reasonable force can be used to prevent pupils from hurting themselves or others, from damaging
property or from causing disorder.
2. In a school, force is used for two main purposes – to control pupils or to restrain them.
3. The decision on whether or not to physically intervene is down to the professional judgement of the staff
member concerned and should always depend on the individual circumstances.
4. The following list is not exhaustive but provides some examples of situations where reasonable force
can and cannot be used.
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Schools can use reasonable force to:
 remove disruptive children from the classroom where they have refused to follow an instruction to do so;
 prevent a pupil behaving in a way that disrupts a school event or a school trip or visit;
 prevent a pupil leaving the classroom where allowing the pupil to leave would risk their safety or lead to
behaviour that disrupts the behaviour of others; prevent a pupil from attacking a member of staff or
another pupil, or to stop a fight in the playground; and
 restrain a pupil at risk of harming themselves through physical outbursts.
This policy is based on legislation from the following:
Education Act 1996
School Standards and Framework Act 1998
Education Act 2002
Education and Inspection Act 2006
Education Act 2011