Scoil Náisiúnta na Scríne

Code of Behaviour

Related Policies available on request:

1.     Anti-Bullying

2.     Health & Safety Statement

3.     Admission and Participation (Enrolment) Policy

4.     Child Protection Policy.

Introduction
Screen National School aims to provide a happy, secure, friendly, learning environment, where children, parents, teachers, special needs assistants, ancillary staff and Board of Management work in partnership.  Each individual is valued, encouraged and respected for their uniqueness and facilitated to reach their full potential in a positive atmosphere.

This will enable the child to live a full life and will equip him/her to avail himself/herself of further education so that he/she may go on to live a full life as an adult in society.

The staff are committed to the realisation of these objectives.  Our aim is to create a happy, secure environment for our pupils in which there is a sense of good order and a reasonable approach to discipline.  In this way, a large group can be organised so that the school can operate smoothly for the benefit of all.

The code is mindful of the Curriculum, the school’s Health & Safety Statement, Anti-Bullying Policy, Admission and Participation Policy and Child Protection Policy.

Discipline for Learning (DFL)
In our school, we have a positive approach to teaching and learning.  Positive rules for behaviour in class and out of class are learned by pupils at the beginning of their school year.  Pupils are disciplined by being motivated to keep these rules.

We have many ways of recognising good behaviour and effect including awards, stamps, kindness cards, smiles, positive comments and homework passes.  Good behaviour and achievement will be recognised.  Consistent positive influences are the key to success in our school.

Restorative Practice
Restorative Practice in our school provides a focus on developing positive relationships between all members of the school community.  It gives opportunities for pupils to take responsibility for their behaviour and learning.  Restorative Practice is a process whereby children are given the opportunity to reflect on their behaviour and how they and others have been affected by it so as to help heal broken relationships and prevent reoccurrence.  Where suspension occurs, the school will use restorative practice involving all parties affected to help repair the harm done.

Restorative Questions to respond to Challenging Behaviour
1.     What happened?

2.     What were you thinking about at the time?

3.     What have your thoughts been since?

4.     Who has been affected by what you did?

5.     In what way have they been affected?

6.     What do you think needs to happen to make things right?

To help those harmed by other actions

1.     What did you think when you realised what had happened?

2.     What have your thoughts been since?

3.     How has this affected others?

4.     What has been the hardest thing for you?

5.     What do you think needs to happen to make things right?

General Guidelines for Behaviour

All pupils are expected to behave in a reasonable manner both to themselves and to others, showing consideration, courtesy and respect for other pupils and adults at all times. Respect must be shown for the property of the individual and of the school at all times.

In Screen National School, we believe that emphasizing positive behaviour in school tends to marginalize bad behaviour and decreases the number of misdemeanours.  A well managed, orderly environment in school will encourage children to react in a positive, caring way.  For this to happen a set of positive rules for behaviour have been created to enable teaching and learning.  These have been agreed, by the staff, parents and management.  Pupils will be encouraged to practice, at all times, four positive behaviours which underpin all rules in Screen National School:

·        Be Responsible

·        Be Respectful

·        Be Safe

·        Be Kind

The rules will be taught to each class and will be on the wall of each classroom.  However, rules, in themselves, do not encourage good behaviour. We endeavour to promote positive behaviour through praise and rewards.

Praise: 

Praise can be given in a formal and informal way, in public or private for the keeping of good standards of behaviour as well as particular achievements.  Praise can be given in both oral and written form.  The communications of such praise between home and school is very important and central to our code of behaviour.  This is done through the use of parent/teacher meetings, positive notes in pupil’s journal, Seesaw and school reports.

Incentives

The use of incentives is also very effective and creates a positive atmosphere in the classroom and school.  Among those that can be used are:-

·        comments or ‘reward stamp’ on children’s work

·        public praise in front of peers

·        reward certificates, stickers, class tickets and homework passes

·        recording in school reports

·        sharing achievements with parents

·        being given greater responsibility in school

·        specific privileges in use of school facilities or equipment

·        golden time

·        use of Circle Time

·        use of Assembly where note is made of good examples, both of work and good behaviour

Privilege (Golden) Time

After the class rules have been explained and are understood by each child it is then important to acknowledge and reward positive behaviour which results from obeying these rules.  This is done by each class having a privilege or golden time for the last half an hour each week.

A child may lose five minutes or more of Golden time for misbehaviour in class/yard, but his/her time can be earned back with good behaviour.

Assembly:

Once a fortnight each class will have assembly.  At Assembly, children’s achievements and good/improved behaviour will be recognised. Children will also be reminded of specific school rules.

Individual Behaviour Plan:

In some cases the normal incentives and sanctions may not suitably deal with the behaviours and needs of individual children. It is important these children identify a small achievable target so that they can gain success.  An achievable target, accompanied by an agreed-on motivating reward can help the child break out of their negative pattern.  The principal and parents would be involved in this procedure. In some circumstances, children may be recommended to attend Behaviour Support Group with SEN teachers .

Code of Behaviour
The code of Behaviour covers the following areas:

·       Behaviour in class

·       Behaviour in the playground

·       Behaviour in the school environment and behaviour on school outings

Behaviour in class
Courtesy and respect are essential.  Disrespectful behaviour towards other pupils or towards adults (e.g. defiance, cheek, insolence) are unacceptable.  Pupils must respect the right of other pupils to learn.  Any behaviour which interferes with the right (e.g. constant disruption of the class persistent distracting of others) is considered unacceptable behaviour.

In order that pupils benefit from their work in class full co-operation is required at all times.  Pupils must co-operate with instructions given by the teacher.

The Essential Classroom Rules
1.     Be ready for class

2.     Good manners are expected at all times

3.     Always do your best and allow others to do the same

4.     Raise hand wait for attention and listen to the person who is speaking

5.     Take good care of personal and classroom property

6.     Ensure you are safe in class and make it safe for others

Behaviour in the Playground
Pupils should treat others as they would like to be treated themselves.  Any behaviour which endangers or offends others is not permitted.  Rough behaviour e.g. fighting, kicking, spitting, pushing is forbidden.  Games or activities considered to be dangerous shall be prohibited.

Any behaviour which interferes with other pupils play is not permitted.  Pupils may not leave the playground for any reason during breaks without permission of the supervising teacher, this includes re-entering the school building.

Wet Play
On wet days the children remain in their classrooms or go to the hall. They engage in indoor activities such as, playing games, drawing or reading a book. They are supervised by the teachers and SNAs on duty. Children must not leave their classroom without permission from supervisory teacher or S.N.A. 

The Essential out of Class Rules
1.     Stay within the boundaries in yard

2.     Play safely and fairly.  Treat others fairly, the way you would like yourself to be treated

3.     Keep yard and school environment litter free and tidy

4.     Stay clear of fire alarm and respect all school property

5.     Line up quickly and quietly and leave and return to your classroom in an orderly fashion.

 
Behaviour in the School Environment & Behaviour on School outings
Respect and courtesy to others is essential.  Any kind of verbal or physical abuse of other pupils is unacceptable.  Use of foul language among pupils is unacceptable.  Bullying or intimidation of other pupils is prohibited and is always regarded as a serious offence.  Pupils must show respect for school property at all times.  For reasons of safety and to minimise accidents, pupils should move about the school in an orderly manner.

Pupils are encouraged to be respectful of each other on their way to and from school.  When on school outings pupils are expected to behave in an orderly manner and show respect for public property.  They should always co-operate fully with their teachers and special needs staff.

Homework
It is the policy of the school to assign homework on a regular basis.  Homework is recorded in the pupil’s journal or it will be emailed to the parents.  Parents should sign the homework journal to confirm that the work has been fully attempted.

If for some reason homework (or part of it) cannot be completed, parents are asked to note this in the homework journal. 

Generally, homework is not given at weekends.  Written work must be done neatly and carefully.  Graffiti on textbooks and copy books is not permitted.  Please refer to the school Homework Policy for further information.

Jewellery
One stud earring in each ear is permitted to be worn. For safety reasons earrings are not permitted in the higher part of the ear. Nose rings and other unsafe piercings are strictly forbidden.

Mobile phones/IPods/Electronic Games

Mobile phones, IPods and electronic games are not allowed in school. Any infringement of this rule will involve the confiscation of the phone and any other electronic equipment and will only be returned to the parent or guardian of the pupil.

School Uniform
All pupils must wear the school uniform.

School journal/Aladdin Connect
The school journal/Aladdin Connect are important communication tools between parents and the school.  Please read and sign the journal each night.  Please ensure the personal information page is your school journal is completed. Parents and teachers can also communicate using Aladdin Connect.

Sanctions:

Where rules are broken there must be a system of appropriate sanctions which are applied consistently and fairly. 

Screen N.S Anti-Bullying Procedures will be implemented where deemed necessary.

Minor Infringement:

These can be dealt with by the teacher in charge.

They are:

·        a verbal rebuke

·        loss of privilege

·        give the child the space and time to reflect on his/her behaviour- on the yard 

·        to allow the situation to be diffused and complete a reflection behaviour orally or in written form

·        “time out” – having to sit apart from their group or not taking part in class

·        in extreme cases, child may be sent into another area of the school, under supervision, in order to diffuse the situation

Sanctions on yard:

·        a teacher on yard issues verbal warning

·        Restorative Practice may be used if appropriate

·        child may be asked to stand in “Time Out” area to cool down. The length of the “Time Out” will be at the discretion of the teacher on duty depending on severity of the incident. 

·        Supervising teacher will report misbehaviour to class teacher.

·        Incident may be recorded in Teacher’s Yard Book

·        Where it is established that bullying behaviour has occurred, the school anti- bullying procedures will be adhered to

·        Class teacher informs Parents of incident

·        referral to the Principal

·        parents invited to school to discuss the matter

Unacceptable behaviour is dealt with in a more formal way.

Screen National School Anti-Bullying Procedures will be implemented where deemed necessary.

·        the child is asked to tell their parents / guardians about the behaviour

·        phone call or letter to parents if deemed necessary

·        parents invited to school to discuss their child’s behaviour

·        referral to the Principal

·        withdrawal of a major privilege

·        internal suspension

·        suspension from the school for a set time

·        in the event of the Board of Management suspending a pupil for 20 days or more permanently excluding a pupil, the parents/guardians may appeal the decision as per Primary Circular 22/2002

·        Copies of the circular and the appeals application form are available from the school or from www.education.ie

Conclusion
The essence of our code of behaviour is valuing people and encouraging them to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and to develop self discipline.

Ratification & communication

Ratified at the BoM meeting on 16th June 2021 and signed by Chairperson. Secretary recorded the ratification in the Minutes of the meeting.

Monitoring the implementation of the policy

The implementation of the policy shall be monitored by the Principal, staff and the Board of Management.

Reviewing and evaluating the policy

Date: Ratified ……………………………………

This policy was ratified in June 2021. It will be reviewed annually.

The policy will be available on our website or through the office on request.