Behaviour Policy

Wallasey School Going from Good to Great in a Caring & Achieving Community

BEHAVIOUR POLICY

Wallasey School Behaviour Policy

TLCC Committee

June 2012

Wallasey School Behaviour Policy Rationale Wallasey School is a ‘rights respecting’ (Ref: Appendix A) and ‘restorative’ school where the rights of all members of the school community are respected. This underpins all of the interactions in school.

It affirms the right of all school community members to feel safe at school by providing a safe and productive learning and teaching environment that promotes responsibility, respect, active citizenship and academic excellence. We believe that it is a basic right for teachers to teach and for students to have the opportunity to learn. Students learn most effectively when teachers are able to teach without interruption or disruption Purposes To provide effective learning in a safe, supportive and orderly environment where people respect and understand • The rights of all people to be treated with respect and dignity • The rights of all students to learn • The rights of teachers to teach • The rights of all to be safe To achieve a positive school ethos that celebrates good behaviour, success and achievement To be pro-active with intervention strategies designed to improve progress and achievement To ensure that all staff work to the same standards and expectations regarding behaviour leading to consistency in behaviour management Teachers and Associate staff are in the position of parents/carers and have a duty of care. This means in particular that: Rudeness, disrespect, defiance or bad language will be challenged.

Any request from a responsible adult must be carried out without defiance. Defiance will not be accepted and will be dealt with according to this policy Teachers have the right to teach and students have the right to learn.

Principles The fair, firm and consistent implementation of the school Behaviour Policy An emphasis on praise and reward where appropriate A belief in the use of restorative principles to resolve conflict and deal with misbehaviour, tensions and potential conflict Teachers and all staff modelling and teaching appropriate behaviour The encouragement of students’ self-control Students being treated as individuals Mutual respect between students and all staff Engaging with families to provide support for students Monitoring and review This policy will be reviewed on a yearly cycle by the Teaching and Learning and Care for Children subcommittee of the Governing Body.

Wallasey School Behaviour Policy

TLCC Committee

June 2012

Further reference and guidelines • Appendix A - Behaviour Charter • Appendix B - Inappropriate behaviour and consequences • Appendix C - Detentions and exclusions • Appendix D - Confiscation, search and reasonable force.

• Appendix E - Electronic Devices • Appendix F - School Rules

Wallasey School Behaviour Policy

TLCC Committee

June 2012

Appendix A – Behaviour Charter Students are to be treated with respect and dignity. In return, they must demonstrate respect for themselves, others and the school environment. Students are expected to: come to school prepared, on time and ready to learn participate actively in lessons and school activities comply with agreed expectations in the classroom and the Behaviour Policy by taking responsibility for their own behaviour and learning behave in a way that respects the rights and property of others, including the right of students to learn and the right of teachers to teach cooperate with staff and others adults refrain from bringing anything to school that may compromise their own safety and the safety of others Teachers and associate staff should maintain order in a respectful and responsible manner. Teachers and school staff are expected to: ensure consistency and fairness in implementing classroom expectations and the Behaviour Policy provide a safe and supportive learning environment provide inclusive and engaging curriculum and high quality teaching initiate and maintain constructive communication and relationships with students and parents/carers promote the skills of responsible self‐management with students deal with incidents restoratively wherever possible comply with mandatory reporting guidelines

Parents/carers play an important role in the education of their children and have a responsibility to support the efforts of school staff in maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all.

Parents/carers are expected to: ensure their child attends school regularly, on time, prepared and ready to learn support school staff in maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all students initiate and maintain constructive communication with school staff have an active interest and cooperate with the school to achieve the best learning, wellbeing and behavioural outcomes for their child.

All school community members are expected to: follow the school Behaviour policy by taking responsibility for their own behaviour and actions respect and comply with UK law, especially in relation to unlawful behaviour involving weapons, alcohol, drugs, dangerous acts, vandalism, violence, verbal abuse and sexual misconduct respect the rights and diversity of others and treat others fairly and with dignity demonstrate honesty and integrity show proper care and regard for school and other people’s property take appropriate measures to help those in need resolve conflict restoratively in a non‐threatening manner

Wallasey School Behaviour Policy

TLCC Committee

June 2012

Appendix B – Inappropriate Behaviour and their Consequences The school does not accept poor behaviour such as, but not exclusively; Deliberately disrupting a lesson or the smooth running of the school.

Failure to comply with the school dress code [see student’s planner] Use of foul, abusive or offensive language The selling of goods for profit without specific permission from the Headteacher Truancy from lessons Discriminatory behaviour (eg racial or homophobic abuse) Violent behaviour towards students, staff or any adult in the school Vandalism or theft Substance misuse including smoking (Ref: The management of drug related incidents) Bullying (Ref: Anti Bullying Policy) Being involved in the above will incur a sanction (Ref: Behaviour Guidelines) The school has the right to take action regarding student behaviour outside school and will do so in the following circumstances any misbehaviour when the student is: taking part in any school-organised or school-related activity or travelling to or from school or wearing school uniform or in some other way identifiable as a student at Wallasey School or misbehaviour at any time, whether or not the conditions above apply, that: could have repercussions for the orderly running of the school or poses a threat to another student or member of the public or could adversely affect the reputation of Wallasey School Where a student’s conduct falls below the standard reasonably expected it will be recorded on the Student Log and one of the following consequences may be used or implemented (not in any specific order) After school detention – outside normal school hours (See Appendix C) Detention during break or lunchtime Internal referral [IMPACT] Fixed term exclusion Permanent Exclusion Governors’ Behaviour Panel Being placed on a white, yellow or red report as appropriate Placed in isolation under the supervision of a member of staff Removal of privileges including representing the school in sporting or theatrical events Parental contact including parents being informed, asked to accompany their child to lessons and parenting contracts if necessary Removal from individual lessons to other appropriate members of the curriculum area (Good Neighbour) as a restorative strategy Confiscation or removal of personal items (see Appendix D) Paying for, or making a contribution towards broken/damaged property. Parents will usually be informed when a sanction has been imposed.

Wallasey School Behaviour Policy

TLCC Committee

June 2012

Appendix C – Detentions and Exclusions Detention during the day All school staff are permitted to issue detention as a sanction at break or lunchtime where deemed reasonable, providing that comfort breaks are included. In normal circumstances a lunchtime detention would not exceed 30 minutes and a break detention 10 minutes. These are recorded on the Student Log. If a student fails to complete their detention on time they may be put into IMPACT for a day.

Detention outside normal school hours The detention of students outside normal school hours is one of the measures that may be taken with a view to ensuring the good conduct/behaviour of students. All school staff have the option to issue students with a Faculty/Subject detention after school from 3.20pm – 4.20pm. Whilst in detention students must work silently. Parents/carers are notified either by phone or in writing via the student planner. This will include the date of the detention, duration and reason for the detention. A detention by Senior Staff is held on a Wednesday after school.

Parents/carers will be aware that in January 2012 legislative changes removed the requirement to give at least 24 hours’ notice of detention, but the school will however endeavour to continue to do so where possible, in order to allow parents to make alternative travel arrangements. Parents/carers should be aware, however, that the school is not obliged to do this and may choose not to do so, or be able to do so, in certain cases.

Internal Referral (IMPACT) Sometimes students may be placed in IMPACT for a day or even longer for persistent misbehaviour or for an isolated serious incident. In IMPACT students work alone out of lessons in a separate room away from their peers supervised by staff. The purpose of IMPACT is to provide a serious punishment commensurate with exclusion but also to offer an opportunity for students to reflect on and to modify their attitudes and behaviour.

Fixed term exclusion The school will use fixed term exclusion when a single serious incident occurs, or persistent misbehaviour and disturbing the learning of others continues after other sanctions have been exhausted. All incidents are investigated fully and students are given the opportunity to make a written statement.

The Headteacher will consider all exclusions in line with current statutory regulations. Where exclusions are issued, telephone and letter will inform parents about the nature of the incidents.

Students will be issued with work for the period of their exclusion and a reintegration meeting interview will be held prior to readmission. Parents are expected to attend.

During days 1‐5 of an exclusion parents are legally responsible for their child’s whereabouts, with the possibility of a £50 penalty notice if the child is found in a public place without reasonable justification. As part of the reintegration process a student may be required to spend a period in IMPACT before re‐joining mainstream lessons when appropriate.

Wallasey School Behaviour Policy

TLCC Committee

June 2012

Permanent Exclusion Permanent exclusion is a serious step requiring careful consideration. Under normal circumstances the school will issue an initial 5 day fixed term exclusion while the incident is investigated fully. At the end of the 5 day period a permanent exclusion may be issued depending on the outcome of investigations Appendix D – Confiscation, Search and reasonable force Confiscation will be used as a sanction where necessary. Items that may be confiscated include those that may be deemed to be interfering with learning or that could impact upon the welfare, health and safety of other members of the school community.

Possessions in relation to a student include any item over which they appear to have control. Staff have the right to seize, retain and/or dispose of such items. Whilst every effort will be made to return such items at a given time, the school does not accept liability for these items. Where required, parents may be requested to collect items from school.

Where student’s refuse to ‘hand over’ items to a member of staff, powers of search may be used.

Powers of Search School staff can search students with their consent for any item.

The Headteacher and staff authorised by the Headteacher have the power to search students or their possessions, without consent, where they suspect the student has a “prohibited item”.

Prohibited items are: knives and weapons alcohol illegal drugs stolen items tobacco and cigarette papers 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 item banned by the school rules which has been identified in the rules as an item which may be searched for. (Ref: School Rules) If suspicion remains and the student does not surrender the item staff should refer the matter to the Head of Key Stage.

At Wallasey School the powers of search are given to; The Headteacher Deputy Headteacher Assistant Headteachers KS3/4/5 Directors of Progress Senior Student Support Manager The Headteacher and staff authorised by the Headteacher can use such force as is reasonable when searching a student without consent for prohibited items except where the search is for an item banned by the school rules.

Wallasey School Behaviour Policy

TLCC Committee

June 2012

Searches will be conducted in line with current DfE guidance which state that the searcher must be the same sex as the student and that witness of the same sex must be present.

There is a limited exception to this rule. Staff can carry out a search of a student of the opposite sex to themselves 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 the search is not conducted immediately and where it is not reasonably practicable to summon another member of staff.

If the student refuses to cooperate with the search the Safer Schools Police Officer may become involved and the students’ parents/carers may be contacted.

The Safer Schools Police Officer has the power of search, caution and arrest through his role as a Police Officer.

Confiscation School staff can seize any prohibited item found as a result of a search. They can also seize ay item, however found, which they consider harmful or detrimental to school discipline.

Use of reasonable force All school staff have the legal power to use reasonable force to prevent students committing an offence, injuring themselves or others or damaging property, and to maintain good order and discipline in the classroom.

At Wallasey School this means that staff can use reasonable force to: remove disruptive children from the classroom where they have refused to follow an instruction to do so; prevent a student behaving in a way that disrupts a school event or a school trip or visit; prevent a student leaving the classroom where allowing the student to leave would risk their safety or lead to behaviour that disrupts the behaviour of others; prevent a student from attacking a member of staff or another student, or to stop a fight in the playground; and restrain a student at risk of harming themselves through physical outbursts.

It is strongly advised that staff do not use force when dealing with incidents in the classroom. (Ref: Physical Intervention Policy) Wallasey School staff will never use force as a punishment.

Wallasey School Behaviour Policy

TLCC Committee

June 2012

Appendix E � Electronic Devices Aims The aim of this policy is to ensure that electronic devices are used in a way which does not endanger individuals or make the presence of such items an issue which adversely affects the day to day running of the school.

Rationale As a school we recognise the important role that devices such as mobile phones can play in ensuring the safety of students as they travel to and from school. It is unreasonable to expect that students will not bring to school a variety of electronic devices, including music players and mobile phones.

We also recognise that personal electronic devices can play an essential role in the daily life of many people.

However, it is essential that the rights of individuals are not infringed by these devices (by the unrequested taking of photographs, for example) and that these devices do not become a disruptive issue in the daily life of the school. The sophistication of modern electronic devices means we must approach their use with care. For example, the high value of many devices, the ubiquitous presence of cameras on many devices, and the potential for disrupting lessons (for example through silent texting) are all issues that require careful consideration. It is a fundamental part of our safeguarding procedures to try to prevent and educate students about cyber bullying, and mobile devices can often be an integral part of this. (Ref: Anti Cyber Bullying Policy) This policy is therefore an attempt to match the importance of safety and security with the importance of individual rights and the day to day operational requirements of the school.

Policy 1. Students must ensure that files stored on their devices do not contain violent, degrading or pornographic images. The transmission of some information is a criminal offence. Students found to be responsible for this will have their phone confiscated; it will be returned to their parent/carer, or passed to the Police.

2. Cyber�bullying is completely unacceptable. Students found to be responsible for this will have their devices confiscated; it will be returned to their parent/carer, or passed to the Police.

3. Whilst the Governors give permission for phones to be brought to the school, responsibility for the phone rests with the student and the school will take no financial responsibility for loss.

4. The school is a workplace, devices must be switched off (not kept on silent) and kept in bags during learning time unless permission has been granted form the member of staff teaching the lesson. During break and lunchtimes students may use their devices in the building but not between lessons.

5. Head phones must not be worn during or between lessons, and students must not use phones or MP3 players to broadcast music unless in lessons, when they have the specific permission of the teacher.

6. If phones are used at incorrect times students will be challenged, phones will be confiscated, and will be returned at the end of the day. If students dispute this, or offend for a second time, parents will be asked to collect the phone from reception.

Wallasey School Behaviour Policy

TLCC Committee

June 2012

7. If there is an emergency which requires communication with home, students must speak to a member of staff who will deal with the matter. Personal mobile phones must not be used in lesson time. In an emergency parents/carers should phone Reception and a message will be taken to the student.

8. Mobile phones cannot under any circumstances be taken into examination rooms. They will be collected prior to the start of the examination and returned and the end. Breach of this rule will lead to invalidation of that examination and potentially other examinations.

Wallasey School Behaviour Policy

TLCC Committee

June 2012

Appendix F

GENERAL RULES AND INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS AT ALL TIMES You should:Arrive on time to lessons and enter the room quietly and ready to work.

Bring the correct equipment to all lessons. Make sure that you have a pen, pencil and ruler for all lessons. Remember your kit for PE and other items for specialist lessons.

Listen carefully and follow instructions first time.

Be polite to others. Do not shout out or interrupt in any other way when your teacher is giving instructions or has asked for your attention. Raise your hand instead.

Fill in your Student Planner and get it signed by your parent/carer.

Respect others and their belongings.

ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY You are expected to attend regularly. The school expects a minimum attendance of 95%.

Parents/carers should contact the school if you are going to be absent. Parents will be contacted by ‘Keep Kids Safe’ if a child has not registered and no one has contacted the school to advise us that they are absent.

You should be at your Form room by 8.40am but should not be on the school premises before 8.00am which is when Breakfast Club begins.

If you are late after Form period you must report in at Reception and report to your Progress Leader at the end of the day.

You must leave promptly at the end of school, unless you are staying behind under the supervision of a member of staff. Make sure that your parent knows that you are staying in school.

You may not leave the school premises during school hours unless you have permission from Senior Staff, Progress Leader or Form Tutor.

If you have a clinic or dental appointment you should take the appointment card or note from your parents to the Progress Leader to obtain an Exeat. The Exeat form should be handed in to the School Office and you should sign out on leaving school and sign in on returning.

ACCIDENTS, ILLNESS All accidents must be reported to the teacher in charge immediately.

If you become unwell during school hours you should report to Student Support or a member of staff, the Dinner Supervisor is also available during the lunch hour.

The School Nurse is available every day. You may consult her, provided permission to do so has been given by a member of staff.

BUILDING AND GROUNDS Students should walk on the left inside the building wherever possible. Running inside the building is not allowed The playing fields south of the school (i.e. across the River Birket) are out of bounds, unless accompanied and supervised by a member of staff.

Lunch must only be eaten in the dining hall.

The banks of the Rivers Birket and Fender are out of bounds AT ALL TIMES. Wallasey School Behaviour Policy

TLCC Committee

June 2012

The stage and balconies are out of bounds.

You are not allowed to enter classrooms, laboratories, workshops or any of the sports areas without permission or supervision.

PERSONAL PROPERTY All property is brought to school at your own risk.

Only small sums of money should be brought to school and this should be carried with you at all times.

You must not bring valuables to school (large amounts of money, jewellery etc).

In the case of mobile phones, they are allowed to be used at break and lunchtime but at all other times they must remain in the student’s bag and be switched OFF. They should not be used at any time for playing music without permission from a member of staff.

It is essential that all clothing and equipment, particularly PE Kit should be marked clearly with your name. Lost property is overwhelmed every year with unmarked items that cannot be returned to their rightful owner.

You are responsible for the care of books loaned to you and should try to provide them with protective covers. Equipment must be kept in a school bag which is considered to be part of our uniform.

If you lose your exercise books or text books you may be asked to pay for replacements.

Any items of value that you find around school, should be taken to student support, who will try to find the rightful owner.

The following are considered to be prohibited items and are not allowed in school and can be searched for and confiscated: knives and weapons alcohol illegal drugs stolen items tobacco and cigarette papers 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. This includes lighters and matches. any item banned by the school rules which has been identified in the rules as an item which may be searched for. This includes sweets, confectionary and drinks brought to school with intention of selling for profit.

It is not acceptable to sell goods for profit without the express permission of the Headteacher PERSONAL TRANSPORT/School Buses Bicycles must be locked and stored securely in the “bicycle lock up”. They must not be ridden in the school grounds.

The School accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to bicycles.

Students are expected to behave appropriately on the school buses and should be aware that the school will deal with poor behaviour on school buses which may include banning from buses operated on contract to the school.

You must follow all school regulations with regard to personal transport. These are based on safety requirements.

Wallasey School Behaviour Policy

TLCC Committee

June 2012

CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR PHONE NUMBER Your parent/carer must notify your Form Tutor or the office staff of any change of address, landline, mobile phone number or personal details. This is important for any emergency contact – our systems are updated weekly.

LUNCHTIME In Lower School, students in Year 7, 8 and 9 may only leave the school premises, if they go home for lunch and will be supervised by a responsible adult. Any student leaving the school grounds to go home for lunch must have an official pass. These are issued only when parents have given their written consent.

You must eat packed lunches in the dining room.

Snack meals must be paid for daily as they are collected.

All teaching rooms are out of bounds during the lunch break, except those officially opened for lunchtime activities.

You should be in your classroom promptly at the beginning of the afternoon session.

AT ALL TIMES YOU SHOULD BE POLITE, COURTEOUS, AND SHOW RESPECT TO OTHERS AND THEIR PROPERTY.

Wallasey School Behaviour Policy

TLCC Committee

June 2012

Reference This policy has been produced with reference to the following documents DfE document: ‘Ensuring good behaviour in schools. A summary for head teachers, governing bodies, teachers, parents and students’ http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/munro/ensuring%20good%20behaviour%20in%20scho ols%20summary.pdf ‘Screening, searching and confiscation. Advice for head teachers, staff and governing bodies’ http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/pdf/s/screening%20searching%20and%20confiscation %20advice%20for%20head%20teachers%20staff%20and%20governing%20bodies.pdf ‘Use of reasonable force. Advice for head teachers, staff and governing bodies’ http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/pdf/u/use%20of%20reasonable%20force%20%20%20ad vice%20for%20headteachers%20staff%20and%20governing%20bodies.pdf

Wallasey School Behaviour Policy

TLCC Committee

June 2012