CODE OF CONDUCT

The one rule for all of us in school is that EVERYONE will act with courtesy and consideration to others at all times.

This means that all of us:

• Should always try to understand the viewpoint of other people.
• Should always try to include the whole community in all school activities irrespective of gender, ethnicity, race or special needs. " Make it as easy as possible for children to learn and for the teacher to teach. (This means - arriving on time with everything you need for that lesson, beginning and ending the lesson in a courteous and orderly way, listening carefully, following instructions, helping each other when appropriate and being quiet and sensible at all times).
• Should move gently and quietly about the school. This means never barging, shouting or running in, or near, the buildings. It means being ready to help, by holding open doors, standing back to let people pass and helping to carry things. (In crowded areas, we keep to the left).
• Should always speak politely to adults and peers alike (even if feeling bad tempered) and use a low voice, as shouting at someone is always discourteous.
• Should be silent when required to be.
• Should keep the school clean and tidy so that it is a welcoming place, of which we can all be proud. This means being particularly careful not to drop rubbish inside or outside, but to use the bins supplied, keeping walls and furniture clean and unmarked, and taking great care of other people's work, particularly displays.
• Should be mindful that the reputation of the school depends on our behaviour at all times and in all circumstances.
• Should push scooters and bikes to the bike shed area within the school grounds.
• Should report any concerns to a member of staff, either verbally or via a note if you feel awkward in front of peers.

All REWARDS AND PUNISHMENTS should be fair and consistent, taking into account the difference between minor and serious incidents. Their communication to the pupil(s) will be by an adult.

It is the school's policy to encourage good behaviour, achievement, thoughtfulness and kindness by noting and praising positive contributions by individual pupils. This culminates in a regular "Certficate of Achievement" assembly.

Children should be praised and encouraged verbally, in written comments in exercise books, by awarding them team points or by giving responsibility. Parents should also be advised of positive situations and the Headteacher can report to the Governors.

Reprimands should be designed to help the child understand the nature and implications of his/her actions and to appreciate his/her responsibility to others in the school. Sanctions may include:

• Gaining an apology, either verbal or written, where appropriate
• Losing the privilege of breaktime or lunchtime but only if the adult issuing the sanction is prepared to administer and take responsibility for the child
• Loss of rank or area of responsibility. This applies mainly to year 6 children who have been awarded a monitor's badge for a particular duty.
• Removal from extra curricular clubs or activities
• Short term, fixed term or permanent exclusion, if the inappropriate behaviour is serious or persistent. This will be carried out with regard to the LEA's advice on such issues

Parents should always be kept informed of children's behaviour and the sanctions/punishments issued. Staff should be aware that parents may wish to discuss this further.

If, for whatever reason, a member of staff is unable to deal with a situation satisfactorily, there is recourse to intervention by the Deputy or the Head.

Children who have persistently displayed behaviour which could be deemed unsafe to themselves or others in any way, prejudicial to the smooth running of a school visit, or to the good name of the school, will not be permitted to attend. As such, provision in school will be made to accommodate their learning needs.

Should a child on a visit display behaviour prejudicial to their own safety, the safety of others, or the good name of the school, their parents and the Governors will be informed and they may not be permitted to attend future out of school visits.

Staff should always try to:

• Avoid too much confrontation, listen and establish the relevant facts
• Only make a judgement when there is no possible doubt remaining
• Use punishments/sanctions sparingly
• Deal with any misbehaviour, not ignore it, using the option of the Deputy or Head as support if appropriate
• Remember that they are often used as role models and should therefore strive to create good relationships at every level, being aware that their actions and behaviour towards children should be positive and encouraging.
• Make time for children to "tell". It is important that children develop a sense of fair play and what defines antisocial behaviour. It is in order for them to advise a teacher of any such behaviour.

It is our intention that bullying in any form is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. It can exist in many forms:

• Physical abuse, teasing, name calling, taunting, gesturing, intimidation, extortion or harassment (racial, sexual, or relating to disability)

If an instance of bullying is identified, appropriate action should be:

• The involvement of all individuals concerned in open, frank, direct discussion to gain a clear picture of the incident and its background.
• To issue appropriate punishment/sanctions, if the bullying allegation is proven, taking into account whether the incident is minor or serious and also whether it is a "first offence" or an ongoing situation.
• To let the individuals talk through the incident and come to an agreed conclusion amongst themselves with the teacher or other adults remaining as neutral onlookers.
• To inform the Deputy or Head if the situation warrants it, particularly if there is injury to another pupil or damage to property.
• To keep a clear record of the event, any interviews and action taken. This should be signed by the teacher and any other adults concerned in the discussions and dated. This will give the school protection in the event of any future legal claim.
• Advise parents and seek their response.

There are opportunities to explore bullying and unreasonable behaviour through stories, poems, drama, assemblies, discussion and visiting theatre groups.

All visitors to the school will register at the office and wear a visitor's badge to identify themselves and allow teachers and other adults to challenge those not wearing the badge as to their reason for being there.

Registers are checked daily and unexplained absences are investigated. Notification from parents is required for any absence. Consistent unauthorised absences can be reported to the EWO.

The playground has "quiet areas" and dedicated games areas that operate on rotation - see plan - to reduce conflict during play. This is monitored by MDA's and staff.

This policy runs in conjunction with the following publications, all available in the Head's office.

Southend-on-Sea LEA 'Behaviour Support Plan' 2004 (the 2004-2006 version is still in draft form)

Southend-on-Sea LEA 'Educational Provisions of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act' 2003
(This includes 'Parenting Contracts, Parenting Orders and Fixed Penalty Notices'. It also includes 'Acceptable Behaviour Contracts').

Southend-on-Sea 'Guidance on the use of force and physical intervention to control or restrain pupils' May 2004

Improving Behaviour and Attendance: Guidance on exclusion from Schools and Pupil Referral Units.