St. Laurence O’Toole’s P.S.
Discipline Policy
St. Laurence O’Toole’s P.S.
31 Main Street Belleeks Newry Co. Down BT35 7PH
PRINCIPAL: Mrs. B. Friel
Email:
Tel: 028 30 878387
Fax: 028 30878387
[email protected]
Dear Parents,
This is a copy of St. Laurence O’Toole’s P.S. Discipline Policy.
Our discipline policy is not merely a list of regulations and sanctions but is also a
statement of the school’s value and beliefs, setting out expectations for teachers, pupils
and parents. The policy will give you some idea of the expected standards of behaviour,
how you can help your child and the sanctions involved should misbehaviour occur.
Discipline is not merely punishment; discipline is the standard of behaviour expected
from all pupils which will help your child to come to school happily and make progress to
the best of his/her ability. Good behaviour is necessary for effective teaching and learning
to take place and an outcome of education which society expects. All pupils are expected
to behave in a responsible manner both to themselves, to others and to their environment,
showing consideration, courtesy and respect for other people at all times.
We feel that parents and teachers must be partners to enable this to work successfully.
The behaviour which can be tolerated at home may not be always be acceptable at school
because of the large numbers involved in such a small community. Naturally we must
expect the same standards of behaviour from all children and we feel confident that we
will have your support in the best interests of all children.
We would encourage you to read this policy with your child.
AIMS OF DISCIPLINE
Discipline is a system of rules for good behaviour that aims to create conditions for an
orderly school community in which:
i.
ii.
iii.
effective learning can take place
self-discipline, self respect and good personal relationships can be developed
there is mutual respect among all members
We feel that such aims are best achieved in the framework of a relaxed pleasant
atmosphere where enthusiasm and hard work dominate, in which pupils are able to give
of their best, both in the classroom and in extra curricular activities and are encouraged
and stimulated to fulfil their potential. This in turn, demands a positive policy of
encouraging good attitudes, reward and praise and setting a good example.
GOOD DISCIPLINE INCLUDES REWARDS
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Good discipline helps develop responsible attitudes and values for life.
Learning will be most effective where there are high standards of behaviour.
Good discipline involves the safety and well being of each individual child.
Good discipline is based on:
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Respect for self;
Respect for other children;
Respect for adults;
Respect for property; and
Respect for the environment.
Good discipline should:
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Be positive;
Encourage good attitudes; and
Praise children
Praise can be given in many ways, e.g.
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a quiet word;
an encouraging smile;
a written comment on a child’s work;
a class chart award, and/or public recognition for good behaviour, helpfulness or
effort;
a public word of praise in front of the group, or class, or at assembly;
rewarding good effort or neat work with stickers, stamps etc;
material rewards such as tokens, pencils, badges etc to be presented at
REWARDS
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
Dedicated display star of the week.
Star of the week.
Pupil of the month.
Golden time
Merits
Homework vouchers
Other features which promote good discipline are:
PUNCTUALITY AND ATTENDANCE
Parents are asked to make every effort to ensure that children arrive and be collected
punctually from school.
Children remaining in school for extra curricular activities i.e. cycling etc.
The school promote a healthy eating policy. Children bring in a piece of fruit,
yoghurt or a sandwich for their break time snack.
UNIFORM
School uniform must be worn at all times.
Each item of clothing must be clearly marked with the owner’s name.
No jewellery (includes, necklaces, bracelets and rings) is allowed with the exception of a
wristwatch.
RESPECT
Children must behave in a responsible manner whilst in school uniform. This is extremely
important at all times.
Adults whether teachers, parents, ancillary staff, visitors etc. must be treated with respect
and courtesy at all times.
The property of others must be respected and cared for. This includes schoolbooks,
equipment, school furnishings and the building itself.
Parents must replace books, which have been lost or damaged by pupils. The cost of the
book may be requested depending on the circumstances.
SAFETY
It is forbidden to swing on the handrailing at the school entrance. At break and lunch
children are not allowed on the steps at rear of school. Children are only allowed on the
grass bank during summer term and hot weather.
Children should bring a note to explain:
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absence from school;
staying in at break-time;
late arrival or early exit;
visits to dentist, doctor, hospital etc;
reasons for not participating in PE, including swimming lessons.
HOMEWORK
Pupils must complete homework to the best of their ability.
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOUR
Classroom behaviour is extremely important. Teachers expect pupils to work well, be
neat, well mannered and respond positively to correction and instruction.
BULLYING
Bullying is a serious breach of discipline as is fighting. In serious incidents parents may
have to be informed. Please inform the school as soon as possible, if you suspect that a
child is being bullied.
Our Anti-Bullying Policy explains the school’s procedure in more detail.
CLASSROOM RULES
In each class, teacher and pupils will work together to generate a set of class rules.
Clearly parents have a duty to ensure that their child does not cause harm, injury or
damage to others or to any property or environment. Parents are therefore asked to
promote and support the general policy and rules of discipline.
DINNER HALL RULES
I must not run at any time in the dining hall.
I must line up quietly without pushing/shoving to collect my dinner.
All cutlery, plates and beakers must be returned to the kitchen leaving the table clear
SUPERVISION
Break-time
Children are always supervised during outside playtime. At least two adults are always on
duty to cover the playground areas around the school. All children are expected to be
outside during play times. Only those children who have a note from parents will be
permitted to remain inside. It is advisable for children to bring coats for outdoor play.
SANCTIONS
It is impossible to cover all eventualities in a list of rules but we know you would expect
any misbehaviour of a pupil to have a suitable sanction.
A list of sanctions has been drawn up to ensure acceptable behaviour in a well-disciplined
school.
Our sanctions will where possible be:
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Constructive;
Applied fairly and firmly; and
Applied with sensitivity and flexibility.
Sanctions may include:
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A verbal reprimand;
Asking a child to apologise;
‘Quiet time’ if play is too rough;
Referral to Principal;
Misbehaviour recorded by a teacher;
Detention at lunch/break during which additional work will be completed.
Serious Misdemeanours will involve:
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Additional homework;
Referral to Principal/parental consultation;
Exclusion from school trip (in extreme circumstances) including swimming,
football;
Suspension; or
Expulsion.
DIFFICULT BEHAVIOUR
Dealing with aggressive or confrontational behaviour is extremely stressful for an
teacher/adult.
Defusing techniques are most useful as soon as early warning signs are visible. However,
despite endeavour the situation may deteriorate.
Useful Defusing Approaches:
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Address pupil calmly and quietly;
Use pupil’s first name frequently;
Maintain eye contact with pupil; and
Avoid any sudden gestures or movement which might be interpreted as
aggressive.
DEALING WITH A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS /DIFFICULT SITUATION:
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Identify someone who will be sent to summon help;
After the incident, it is often helpful to talk through what happened with the pupil,
calmly and with no sense of recrimination;
A brief report of the incident will be completed;
Where an incident of this nature results in an injury, the injury should be reported
to the Principal and recorded in an incident book;
Contact parents immediately and have child removed from school is situation is
potentially dangerous for that pupil or others;
The responsibility of staff in dealing with an aggressive/difficult pupil is to safeguard the
offending pupil, other pupils and themselves.
EXTREME BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS
A range of strategies and procedures are used in attempting to deal with a range of
behaviour within the school and classroom context. However, there are some occasions
when the behaviour by its seriousness and often by its frequency, has to warrant more
radical approaches, including suspension and expulsion. To do otherwise would often
jeopardise the safety and education of the other pupils.
SUSPENSION
The decision to suspend a pupil would be taken in the following circumstances:
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When to allow the pupil to remain at school would pose a threat to the health and
safety of the pupils or staff in the school;
After a range of strategies to modify the pupil’s behaviour and encourage more
positive attitudes have been tried and failed;
In response to a serious breech of the school’s Discipline Policy;
After all the relevant facts and evidence to support the allegations have been
explained;
After the pupil concerned and others involved have had the opportunity to give
their version of events; and
When a responsible adult (Parent, Guardian, Carer) is available to receive this
pupil.
EXPULSION
Expulsion is an acknowledgement by the school that it can no longer provide for a
particular pupil. Prior to expulsion, the Principal will hold a meeting for the purpose of
consulting with parents, SELB, CCMS and the Board of Governors about the future
education of the pupil concerned.
CONCLUSION
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Responsibility for the behaviour of all the children in the Primary School is shared
by all teachers and staff.
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In conclusion, we would ask you, the parents to work as closely as possible with
the Principal and staff in promoting good behaviour within our school at all times.
This policy has been sanctioned by the Board of Governors on May 2011
These five rules were created by pupils and staff. They underpin the ethos of our school
and the values we strive to achieve. Your co-operation and support is necessary to ensure
a happy and secure environment for all pupils.
IN OUR SCHOOL
We care and respect others
We show good manners
We listen carefully and work hard
We walk at appropriate times
We look after property
It is our intention to review and amend our Discipline Policy regularly.
Please accept a copy of this Discipline Policy, read it with your child/children, explain the
rules and sanctions to them, sign the agreement below, cut it out and return it to the class
teacher. Your support and co-operation is, as always, appreciated.
Signed (Principal)
____________________________________________
REMEMBER
It is the behaviour which is unacceptable and NOT THE PUPIL.
We try to be fair in discipline procedures and we would ask for
your continued support.
I have read this policy with my child/children. I have explained
what the rules mean and will ensure that they are complied with.
Signed (parent) ____________________
Date: _____________________________