RMDS Code of Behaviour

Adopted June 2010, reviewed November 2011

Introductory statement
Rationale
Relationship to the characteristic spirit/ethos of the school
Aims of the policy
A whole school approach to promoting positive behaviour
Guidelines for behaviour in the school
Our rules for behaving well
- Classroom
- Playground
- Other areas in the school
- School related activities
Our approach to managing behaviour
- Introduction
- Communicating with parents about behaviour
- Children with special educational needs and the Code of Behaviour
- Rewards and acknowledgement of good behaviour
- Procedures for responding to inappropriate behaviour
- Description of minor misdemeanours and sanctions
- The Individual Behaviour Plan procedure
Suspension / Expulsion
- Suspension
- Expulsion
- Appeals
- Rewards and acknowledgement of good behaviour
Record keeping
- Class
- Playground
- School records
- Rewards and acknowledgement of good behaviour
Procedure for notification of absence from school
Reference to other policies
Success criteria
Review and Ratification

01. Introductory statement

This policy was drafted during the school year 2009/10 by a committee comprised of the principal and two representatives each from the Board of Management, the patron, the Parents Association and the staff. An extensive consultation process was undertaken with all members of the school community during term one, culminating in a presentation and workshop at the School Development Planning Day on 1 February 2010. Following this, the redrafted policy was presented to the Board for ratification and then to the school community for observations before finally being adopted on 14 June 2010. This policy will take effect from 1 September 2010.

02. Rationale

Firstly, behaviour was an area of concern identified by the school community, over the past few years, in particular related to issues of consistency and fairness. The management of challenging behaviour, albeit concerning a very small number of children, had also been raised. Further it was felt that a review of the policies and procedures around bullying behaviour was needed.

Secondly, this review was carried out to ensure compliance with the school’s obligations under the Education Welfare Act, 2000, in particular regarding suspension and expulsion and in relation to the procedures to be followed around a child’s absence from school.

Thirdly, this review was carried out to ensure our existing policy is in compliance with the legal requirements and the good practice standards as set out in Developing a Code of Behaviour: Guidelines for Schools, NEWB, (2008). This document can be accessed at: http://www.newb.ie/downloads/pdf/guidelines_school_codes_eng.pdf

03. Relationship to the characteristic spirit/ethos of the school

The Code of Behaviour here in RMDS is based on the principle of equal respect for both children and their families and for the staff of the school, both teaching and non-teaching. We make the assumption that children are of their nature good, kind and thoughtful; that each child is naturally disposed towards sociable and co-operative behaviour and finally that each child does their best, within the circumstances of their situation. The Code of Behaviour will be based on these assumptions.

The purpose of this policy is to promote positive behaviour and to allow the school to function in an orderly and harmonious way, in line with our ethos. Children will be made aware of the Code of Behaviour at a level appropriate to their age and development. Children will have input into the Code through their involvement in its development and review.

04. Aims of the Code of Behaviour in RMDS

To foster an educational environment that is guided by our vision statement, Learning and Living in the World Together.
To allow the school to function in an orderly way, so that the children can make progress in all aspects of their development.
To create an atmosphere of respect, tolerance and consideration for others.
To promote positive behaviour and self-discipline.
To promote an atmosphere that recognises the differences between children and the need to accommodate these differences.
To foster the safety and well being of all members of the school community.
To ensure that the system of rules, rewards, and sanctions are implemented in a fair and consistent manner throughout the school.
To assist parents and pupils in understanding the systems and procedures that form part of the Code of Behaviour and to seek their co-operation in the application of these procedures.

05. A whole school approach to promoting positive behaviour

RMDS is committed to a whole school approach to the promotion of positive behaviour. A whole school approach requires the school to provide opportunities and support for each group within the school (the Board, the parents, the staff and the children) to take responsibility at the appropriate level for behaviour within the school. Teamwork, collaboration, inclusion and involvement are the hallmarks of such an approach. The school development planning process and the opportunity it provides for all partners in the school to work together on policy formation exemplifies this approach.

All members of the school community are provided with a copy of the written document upon enrolment/employment here in RMDS. It is the responsibility of the school, led by the principal and the deputy principal to ensure that the students are taught the behavioural and learning skills they need to respond appropriately to the Code of Behaviour. The principal leads the staff in ensuring that there are additional communication mechanisms in place, so that parents are supported in understanding the norms and values underpinning the code. These include class meetings, parent/teacher meetings, helping staff to build positive relationships with parents, communicating clearly and in an ongoing manner with the parents of the children in the school, and working in partnership with parents when there are difficulties. The special education team have a particular responsibility to work with children with special educational needs, and their parents, to reinforce the messages being taught in the classroom about appropriate behaviour. The mentoring of new staff members is a further responsibility of the principal and the deputy principal.

The role of the Board includes:

Regular review of the Code of Behaviour.
Ongoing monitoring of the implementation of the Code of Behaviour.
Provision of support to the principal and the staff in implementing the Code of Behaviour.
Provision of support to the Parents Association to deliver parent programmes that are supportive of the work of the school generally and the Code of Behaviour in particular.

The role of the staff includes:

The promotion of positive behaviour through effective teaching, an inclusive and engaging curriculum and well managed classrooms.
The use of a variety of classroom management techniques and curricular methodologies to sustain pupil interest and motivation and maximise positive behaviour.
Ensuring pupils are aware of and understand the Code of Behaviour and how it may influence their behaviour.
A commitment to fully implementing the Code of Behaviour, and to applying the range of sanctions and rewards appropriately.
Communicating with parents about children’s behaviour generally, both at general parents meetings and on an individual level.
Engaging with in-school reviews of behaviour (e.g. at monthly staff meetings)
Participating in the regular review of the Code of Behaviour initiated by the Board of Management.

The role of the parents includes:

Being familiar with the Code of Behaviour.
Encouraging their children to meet the expected standards of behaviour.
Communicating with teachers about issues that affect their children’s behaviour.
Encouraging their children to do their best and to take responsibility for their work.
Ensuring that their children attend school regularly and punctually.
Attending meetings at the school if requested.
Supporting their children with their homework and ensuring that it is completed.
Ensuring that their children have the necessary books and materials for school.
Cooperating with the rules and standards which apply to them (dropping off rule, clothing rule, etc).

The role of pupils includes:

Taking a full part in formulating the classroom rules.
Behaving well and encouraging others to behave well.
Informing staff of inappropriate, dangerous or bullying behaviour.
Recommending strategies or rules to promote positive behaviour.

As part of the whole school approach to behaviour, the following courtesies are expected from all members of the school community:

Greeting others with a smile and saying thank you and please, go raibh maith agat and más é do thoil e and dia dhuit/good morning and slán/goodbye in the afternoon.
Allowing others to go ahead of you through the door or the gate
Holding the door/gate open for others, in particular visitors, parents, someone carrying something or someone (for example, a baby or a large parcel), or for someone younger or smaller than you.
Looking at people and giving them full attention when they are speaking to you
If you need to get someone’s attention, say excuse me or gabh mo leithsceal and then step back and wait until the person is ready. That is unless it is urgent, (for example you urgently need to use the bathroom or someone is injured) – in which case you say excuse me, it`s urgent.
Being patient if you are waiting at the secretary’s office (for example if she is on the phone or the hatch is closed over).
Complying with requests without discussion or questions as to why. If someone feels they have been treated unfairly or needs to discuss the request, they should comply first and then ask to talk about it later. Pupils could discuss the issue with their parents/teacher and get their advice.

06. Guidelines for behaviour in the school

The general standards of behaviour which the school expects from the pupils are guided by our vision statement Learning and Living in the World Together. These standards, which are regularly communicated to the children in the school, include:

Respect, courtesy and co-operation to be shown towards other children, teachers, support staff and parents, in the classroom, the playground and on school outings, at all times.
Respect to be shown by the children towards their own and other children’s property, school property and environment.
Respect to be shown for other people’s space i.e. no verbal or physical violence or aggression, or any form of bullying behaviour (See Anti-Bullying policy).
Respect for each child’s own feelings, i.e. it’s okay to feel sad, quiet, etc.
Respect to be shown for other people’s feelings.
Children are expected to behave in an orderly fashion in the classroom, moving around the school and going to and from the playground and the park.
Children are expected to come to and leave from school on time. The school day begins at 8.30 a.m. for all. Children should leave promptly when school is over.
Children are expected to bring to school each day all books, copies and materials necessary to do their class work properly - this includes appropriate clothing and footwear and clothing for PE.
Children are expected to complete assigned work (written and oral) both at school and at home.
Children are expected to listen to others and to take turns to speak in class.
Children must not behave in any way which endangers themselves or others.
Children are expected to be mindful of the younger children.
Children are expected to include others in games.
Children must remain within the designated playground boundaries during break times; they must not cross the yellow lines into areas which are out of sight.
Children are expected to show understanding towards children for whom some of these guidelines may be challenging e.g. children with special educational needs.

07. Our rules for behaving well

We have agreed the following rules to help organise life in school so that it makes it easier for everyone to behave well:

Our school rules

The drop off rule: Wait quietly at the back gate in the morning. The school gate is opened in time for children to be in their classes for 8.30 am. No responsibility can be taken for children left before the gate opens. All children should have had time to settle in and get organized for the day in time for the beginning of formal lessons at 8.50 am.
The collection rule: Junior and Senior Infants are dismissed at 1.10 pm. They will be handed over to their parents / minders by the teacher at the school door. All other classes are dismissed into the school yard, where they should be met by parents / minders, punctually, at 2.10 pm. No responsibility can be taken for children not collected promptly at the normal closing times.
The walking rule: The inside of the school is a walking zone at all times. At drop off and collection times, everyone is asked to WALK in the yard too – NO running and no scooting. In particular, toddlers waiting with parents or minders should not be allowed to run around as the yard gets very busy and congested at school closing time.
The climbing rule: No one should climb on the walls in the yard or up behind the grassy pit, including toddlers waiting for older siblings, at any time.
The left hand rule: Please hold the stair rail with your LEFT HAND at all times. Younger siblings should follow the same rule, for safety reasons. Take care and open the swing doors gently – once again using the LEFTHAND RULE – open on the left.
The clothing for school rule: Children in all classes should wear loose fitting, comfortable clothes all the time, as every day involves some movement and physical activity. Clothes should also be suitable for arts activities. All removable clothing and footwear should be labelled. Make up should not be worn to school. Low cut tops, string vests and t- shirts with offensive or violent slogans should not be worn to school.
The clothing for PE rule: In order to take part in PE. classes, children must be wearing suitable clothing i.e. tracksuit and runners. Appropriate footwear is especially important. Skating shoes are not appropriate or safe for P.E. Children from Rang 3 – Rang 6 must have white soled runners for PE. Children should not wear jewellery unless they are able to remove it themselves prior to their PE class. Long hair should be tied back.
NB: Children who do not comply with the above will not be allowed to take part in the PE class and will be given a note to get signed at home.
The never leave the school rule: Children should never leave the school without permission from the teaching staff.
The language rule: Bad language (curses and swear words) or derogatory language (words like dork, nerd, crap, losers etc) should never be used.
The scooters and skateboards rule: Scooters and skateboards should be folded, if possible, and carried to and from the school gates. ‘Parking’ is available at the bottom of the stairwells!
The expensive toys rule: PSPs, game boys and other small electronic toys should be left at home as they can get lost or damaged, as well as creating difficulties at playtime.
The school telephone rule: Children are not permitted to use the school phone except for genuine emergencies such as cancelled activities / matches and illness.
The mobile phone rule: We prefer that children do not bring mobile phones to school. If they need to have a mobile with them, it should be switched off and out of sight before they come into the school and not taken out until they leave the school premises in the evening. Children who do not comply will get one warning and then have phones confiscated. Parents may collect confiscated phones from the teacher or the office.
The road safety rule: Children can be left safely on the footpaths leading to the traffic warden, who will see them safely across the road. Parents who wish to accompany their children should park legally, before crossing with the traffic warden. In particular, do not obscure the traffic warden’s view when parking. Pedestrians coming from Ranelagh are also reminded that it is safer to stay on the footpath around the front and west (infant gate) sides of the school rather than going up the lane on the east (extension) side.
The safe driving rule: Please co-operate by not driving around the school between 8.15 am – 9.15 am, also between 1.45 pm – 2.45 pm. At infant collection times (1.10pm), please do not park on the double yellow lines by the infant gate.

Our classroom rules:

Procedures:

Class rules are set in each class, by the teacher and the class, which are consistent with the ethos as expressed in the Code of Behaviour and which set a positive atmosphere for learning. These include a procedure for leaving your seat, going to the bathroom, getting the teacher’s attention, keeping the room tidy and safe for everyone, changing tasks, lining up and generally looking out for each other.
Classroom rules should be signed by parents in each child’s journal once they have been agreed.
Teachers will endeavour to ensure that pupils understand and are frequently reminded of how they are expected to behave.
A clear system of acknowledging and rewarding good behaviour and sanctions for misbehaviour will operate in each class.

A set of classroom rules drawn up by a class with their teacher might look like this one for senior infants:

Our classroom rules:

Be nice!
Be polite!
Be neat!
Share!
Work quietly!
Always walk in the classroom!
Talk quietly!

Our yard rules – so that playtime is safe and fun for everyone (see yard policy):

Respect the quiet areas – they are the steps area near the gate, under the veranda and the green grass. The quiet area means no running or shouting.
No sitting on the wall in the ‘green grass’ area at the junior break.
No stepping on the big stones.
Pay attention and walk carefully, on the footpaths, to the park.
You have no permission to leave the yard – you must speak to a teacher first.
First whistle, FREEZE; second whistle, WALK quietly to your LINE.
If you get an injury, make sure to tell a teacher on duty.
If you are not happy, tell the teacher on duty or tell the class teacher when you go back to class and they will help sort it out.
If you run into someone, check that they are okay. If they are not okay, tell a teacher.
If you see rough play, move away and tell a teacher.
If someone seems lonely, ask them if they would like to play with you and / or tell a teacher.
If you have ideas to make yard time better, tell the teachers, the principal or The School Council

School related activities (See Extra-curricular policy) The Code of Behaviour also applies to all out of school activities, including extracurricular activities, school outings and tours.

08. Our Approach to Managing behaviour

Introduction
Communication with parents about behaviour
Rewards and acknowledgement of good behaviour
Children with special educational needs and the Code of Behaviour
Procedures for responding to inappropriate behaviour
Description of minor misdemeanours and suitable sanctions
Description of major misdemeanours and suitable sanctions
The individual behavioural plan procedure (for the management of ongoing serious challenging behaviour/ aggression from an individual pupil).

Introduction:

The school’s SPHE curriculum is used to support the code of behaviour throughout the school. It aims to help the children develop communication skills, appropriate ways of interacting and behaving, and conflict resolution skills. It also aims to foster self-esteem and to help children accommodate differences and develop citizenship (See the school plan for SPHE). The emphasis in line with our ethos is on rewarding good behaviour, rather than on imposing sanctions i.e. ‘catching them being good’.

Communication with parents about behaviour:

Good communication between parents and teachers is essential for optimal pupil progress. To that end, teachers are committed to contacting parents with any concerns regarding a child’s behaviour.

Equally, we would encourage parents to talk to staff about their concerns, no matter how small.

The period between 8.30am and 8.50am is a useful point of contact for incidental matters and clarification and for the arrangement of meetings. The homework journal or a note in the school bag is also useful. For more detailed or sensitive discussions, it is best to arrange a meeting with the class teacher. This means both parties can sit down and discuss issues confidentially and in comfort. The afternoon is more suitable for formal meetings and appointments can be arranged with the secretary. If it is difficult for you to get to the school phone contact can be arranged

Class meetings take place in late September each year. The Code of Behaviour is explained at that meeting. There is also an opportunity for individual questions with the teachers after the meetings. Individual parent/teacher meetings take place during November each year and behaviour will also be discussed at that meeting.

Children with special educational needs and the Code of Behaviour (see also special educational needs plan)

The enrolment policy of RMDS provides for equality of access and participation in the school, whatever a child’s social, religious, cultural and racial backgrounds and whether or not they have a disability or special education need. While some children come to school with additional supports ready and in place, for others, their needs become more evident as they get older.

Here in RMDS, there are children with general learning disability, Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders, including Asperger’s Syndrome, specific learning disability, children with attention deficit disorders, dyspraxia, emotional disturbance and / or behavioural problems, Down Syndrome and speech and language disorders. Additional staffing and resources have been provided to help support these children and to ensure their successful integration in RMDS.

Challenging behaviour can be related to special needs. Often, while the challenging behaviour is very obvious, the attendant special educational needs may not be. It may be perceived that somehow, the child is ‘getting away with things’ or being treated more favourably (for example, being allowed movement breaks). Every effort is made to deal with all the children through the regular Code of Behaviour. Sometimes, however special additional measures and a more individualised approach needs to be put in place to support children with special needs and to keep them and their peers safe and able to access the curriculum in school. In general, children for whom special consideration is given, in terms of behaviour, will also be attending clinical and therapeutic services outside school.

Part of the successful implementation of this policy will be in building a greater understanding among our school community of special educational needs, including challenging behaviour and its causes, which will in turn lead to more successful inclusion.

‘Fairness isn’t about giving everybody the same; it’s about giving everybody what they need’

Rewards and acknowledgement of good behaviour:

The emphasis in RMDS is on ‘catching children being good’ and on the ongoing rewarding of good behaviour. The following range of rewards and strategies are used in RMDS:

Praise and encouragement.
Notes Home
Golden time – computer time, sand time, games, free choice, extra park time, extra yard time , extra PE, video time, etc.
Name in the principal’s merit book
Pick a treat/prize from the box
Sticker charts – pupil(s) are rewarded with stickers for positive behaviour. When a sticker chart is completed the pupil(s) receives a reward.
Stars/stamps
Quiz time
Yard points/group points
Homework pass
Class Mascot, eg teddy bear, to take home and keep for a day.

Note: sweets are not used as treats, except for special occasions such as end of term parties

Procedures for responding to inappropriate behaviour

All observations/reports of inappropriate behaviour are investigated and dealt with by the teachers.
Minor misbehaviour should be dealt with by the class teacher/teacher on yard duty by way of warning and/or advice in the first instance.
The child/ren involved should be spoken to directly at an early stage. In many cases, the issue is resolved at this point. Sanctions should be in line with the school Code of Behaviour.
Should this not resolve the issue, the advice of the principal/deputy is sought. Steps at this stage may include meetings between parents and the class teacher and/or the principal.
The principal should not be involved in minor incidents of inappropriate behaviour. However, the principal may offer advice at any time to members of staff dealing with inappropriate behaviour of any sort.
In general, sanctions should be associated with the misdemeanour, for example misbehaving at PE might mean missing PE the following week; not handing up homework might mean completing the work during break time, running in the quiet area in yard time might mean sitting out for five minutes.
If there in not clarity around an incident i.e. where it was not witnessed or accounts vary, the “what, where, when, who and why” of the reported incident should be investigated by the class teacher/teacher on duty in the first instance and a written report compiled.
Non teaching staff, such as special needs assistants (SNAs) and the secretary are encouraged to report any incidents of inappropriate behaviour witnessed by them, or mentioned to them, to the relevant class teacher and/ or the principal.
Non teaching staff should act as a prudent adult would act on observing inappropriate behaviour i.e. to tell the child to stop, intervene if someone is being injured or hurt. All incidents should be reported to the teacher on duty/class teacher as soon as possible. Sanctions should be imposed by the teacher on duty/class teacher, in line with the Code of Behaviour.
The principal should be informed of all observed/reported incidents of major misdemeanours and of persistent minor infringements and consulted on appropriate action.
Parents should always be informed of and consulted on major misdemeanours and persistent minor infringements.
A written record should be kept of all major misdemeanours and persistent minor misdemeanours.
In addition to the sanctions for the offending child, as set out in this document, support may also be offered to the child who is the subject of the incident, and to the class if appropriate. This might include whole school/class/small group lessons dealing with respect, self-esteem, bullying, building a better understanding of special educational needs, discussion around how specific incidents are managed, etc.
Where misbehaviour might have an impact on the rest of the class, the principal or the class teacher may inform the rest of the parents of the children in the class by letter/email. For example, where children in the class witnessed a fight in the yard.
The Board of Management will be kept informed of all major misdemeanours and persistent minor misdemeanours.

Examples of minor misdemeanours include:

Lack of respect, for example:

Talking out of turn, inappropriate comments, lack of attention in class or yard, distracting others in class or yard, interfering in others games in yard, leaving seat without permission, homework not done or incomplete, mobile phones out/switched on, eating during lessons, chewing gum, messing /mock fighting/jostling and pushing, shouting and loudness in class, spitting on the ground, throwing things(other than at people), unsupervised climbing/running in quiet areas /inside the school, bad language, derogatory language, not following instructions.

Sanctions for minor misdemeanours include:

Discussion with pupil and agreement on a more appropriate way to act in future
Verbal and/or written apology
Verbal and/ or written undertaking to improve
Reasoning with the pupil
Verbal warning
Name on board
Confiscation of item
Time out (in and out of the classroom)
Extra work
Loss of privileges, for example, not being allowed to do jobs, not being allowed to sit on the school council, etc.
Loss of yard time
Communication with parents
Informal word with the principal, who has a quiet word with the child
Teachers may also use the strategy of planned ignoring (ignoring attention seeking behaviour, that is not a danger to other pupils), followed by discussion.

Examples of major misdemeanours may include:

Persistent minor misdemeanours (see above)
Leaving the class, yard, park or activity without permission.
Abusive/threatening or violent language directed to a person.
Persistent refusal to take instructions.
Bullying (see Anti-bullying policy)
Hitting out in a threatening manner at another person
Stealing
Deliberately damaging property.
Bringing any dangerous objects or illegal substances to school.
Sexual harassment of a person by word, action or gesture.

Sanctions for major misdemeanours include:

Discussion with parents and staff, including the principal, to include a verbal and/or written apology, together with any or all of the following sanctions as appropriate:

Removal from class
Formal communication with parents/guardians by letter
Referral to Principal
Sent home early (informal suspension) with parent
Formal suspension for up to three days
Immediate suspension for up to three days
Use of the individual behavioural plan procedure (see below)
Expulsion
Report to Gardaí

Individual behavioural plan procedure (for the management of ongoing, serious challenging behaviour/ aggression from an individual child).

Definition:

The consistent refusal of a child to obey instructions.
Persistently seriously disruptive behaviour.
Exhibitions of unpredictable and, possibly, violent or aggressive behaviour.

Individual behavioural plan procedure:

A team meeting to prepare an Individual Behavioural Plan shall be convened. All those involved with the child may be invited to attend (for example, the Chairperson of the Board of Management, principal, teacher(s), parents, special needs assistant and school psychologist).

The agenda for the meeting shall comprise:

An assessment of the strengths and needs of the child, to include his/her academic and attainment record; behaviour record; interests; any special educational needs; temperament; priority needs, both short term and long term, in terms of learning and behaviour.

A plan shall be agreed between school and home and approved by the Board. The plan shall include:

Strategies for encouraging positive behaviour (praise, encouragement, incentives),
General strategies for dealing with poor behaviour/lack of engagement with learning.
Particular set of strategies for specific named behaviours.
Supports for staff /other children in the class.
Rewards for good behaviour both at home and at school.
Sanctions or consequences for poor behaviour both at home and at school.
Resources available (materials, personnel, equipment) to implement the plan.
Arrangements for monitoring targets.
Referral to outside agencies.
Agreed home-school communication going forward, i.e. parent /teacher contact, behavioural diary
Agreed timetable for action and date for follow-up meeting.

In these instances, parents shall be told that a safety assessment shall be done on all activities the child is involved with to ensure his/her safety and the safety of others. This shall apply particularly to school tours and other out-of-school activities. This may mean the child may not be allowed to take part in some school activities for his/her safety and that of the others in the class.

Teachers should not leave the school premises, with children involved in an individual behaviour plan, without an additional staff member to support the teacher and a mobile phone.

The principal shall give a regular brief report to the Board of Management, in relation to all children involved in an individual behaviour plan, by way of ongoing updating on the situation.

Where there is no significant improvement following the implementation of the individual behaviour plan the principal may convene a meeting with the parents, the relevant members of staff and any outside agencies involved (eg HSE, NEPS, SENO ) with a view to considering an alternative educational placement for the child.

09. Suspension and Expulsion

Suspension

Suspension is defined as ‘requiring the student to absent himself/herself from the school for a specified, limited period of school days’ (NEWB guidelines, p.70). Exclusion for part of a school day, as a sanction, or asking parents to keep a student from school, as a sanction, counts as suspension. Suspension will be considered as part of a range of sanctions where a student has engaged in a major misdemeanour. While suspension should be a proportionate response to the behaviour that is causing concern, a single instance of serious misconduct may be grounds for suspension. The decision to suspend will be based on the following grounds:

The seriously detrimental effect on the education of the other students of the student’s behaviour to date
Whether the student’s continued presence in the school constitutes a threat to safety
The student is responsible for serious damage to property.

The purpose of suspension includes: providing a respite for staff and students, giving the student time to reflect on their actions and the staff time to plan ways of helping the student to change their unacceptable behaviour. Suspension shall be used as part of an agreed plan to address the student’s behaviour.

The procedures in respect of suspension are those outlined in section 11.5 of the NEWB guidelines for schools. The Board of Management of RMDS has delegated authority to the Principal to suspend pupils for periods of up to three days. If a suspension for a longer period is being proposed, the Principal should refer to the Board of Management for consideration and approval. Reports to the Board and to the relevant authorities should be made in line with NEWB guidelines.

(Refer to pages 70-78, Developing a Code of Behaviour: Guidelines for Schools, NEWB, 2008 http://www.newb.ie/downloads/pdf/guidelines_school_codes_eng.pdf

Expulsion (permanent exclusion)

Under the Education Welfare Act, 2000, ‘A student shall not be expelled from a school before the passing of twenty school days following the receipt of a notification under this section by an educational welfare officer’ (Section 24(4)) It is the right of a Board of Management to take ‘…such other reasonable measures as it considers appropriate to ensure that good order and discipline are maintained in the school concerned and that the safety of students is secured.’ (Section 24(5))

The Board of Management has the authority to expel a student. This authority will be exercised in line with the procedures outlined on pages 80-87, Developing a Code of Behaviour: Guidelines for Schools, NEWB, 2008. http://www.newb.ie/downloads/pdf/guidelines_school_codes_eng.pdf

Appeals

Under Section 29 of the Education Act, 1998, parents are entitled to appeal to the Secretary General of the Department of Education and Science against some decisions of the Board of Management, including (1) expulsion (permanent exclusion from a school) and (2) suspension for a period which would bring the cumulative period of suspension to 20 school days or longer in any one school year. Appeals must generally be made within 42 calendar days from the date the decision of the school was notified to the parent or student. (See Circular 22/02). Parents will be informed of their entitlement to appeal a decision of the Board of Management in relation to suspension or expulsion by letter from the Chairperson of the Board /Principal. Parents will be given a copy of Circular 22/02 and related forms. (Section 12, Circular 22/02 – Processing of an Appeal) http://www.newb.ie/downloads/pdf/guidelines_school_codes_eng.pdf

10. Keeping records (See also Record-keeping policy; see Playtime policy)

It is important for staff to keep a record of poor behaviour so that they can be confident of their accuracy when discussing the matter with parents and so that patterns in behaviour can be noted. It is the policy of the school that parents are informed of persistent minor misdemeanours and major misdemeanours sooner rather than later. Underlying this reporting should be an ongoing positive two way relationship between the parents and the school that fosters good communication and maintains high levels of parental involvement in the interests of the child. Consistency is achieved through clear adherence to this policy and regular discussion at staff meetings.

The following records are kept:

The yard book

The yard book is used to record incidents of minor misbehaviour and any other issues relevant to playtime. It is also used for mention of major incidents/accidents. The class records or pupil report file will contain the full report. Yard books are given out by a designated SNA at the beginning of each break and returned to the office after break.

All recorded incidents during yard time should be reported by the teacher on duty to the class teacher at the end of break. Sanctions should be imposed by the teacher on duty and communicated to the class teacher. Serious incidents should be reported to the principal or in her absence, the deputy principal.

Class records

The Aladdin schools administration system is used to record incidents of misbehaviour/other issues and patterns of behaviour in the class, the yard and/or the school. Incidents should be recorded by the teacher who has dealt with the problem. All reports should be concise, dated and signed, indicating action taken. Class records are reviewed regularly by the principal.

Pupil files

More serious incidents that take place in the yard or during class time should be recorded on a sheet and placed in the child’s file. Incidents should be recorded by the teacher who has dealt with the problem. All reports should be concise, should indicate the action taken, be dated and signed. Parents should always be informed of such incidents promptly. In addition, the formal parent teacher meetings each year shall include reference to a child’s behaviour in school. The end of year report also includes a section on behaviour , both in the classroom and in the yard.

11. Procedures for notification of pupil absences from school

RMDS requires parents to inform the school of a child’s absence as follows:

Short absences can be phoned or emailed to the office on the day of absence. Alternatively a note can be sent with the child on return to school. This is retained in the roll book and placed in the child’s file at the end of the year. All longer absences must be informed in writing, by email or letter. The school complies with the requirements of the NEWB on reporting student absence.

(See forms on www.newb.ie)

12. Reference to other Policies

The following policies are relevant to the proper implementation of the Code of Behaviour

Yard and Playtime policy
SPHE plan
Anti-bullying policy
Enrolment Policy
Record keeping policy
Health & Safety policy
Special Educational Needs Plan
Extra-curricular policy

13. Success criteria

Success criteria establish the link between information as to how things should be and information as to how things are. The criteria are used to express the ideal. The criteria allow the school to judge how well it is achieving its stated intention. Success can be measurable through perceptions or by using factual data.

Through the successful implementation of this policy the intended outcomes are:

Children are physically, mentally and emotionally healthy.
Children are making informed choices about their behaviour through understanding and awareness of their role and responsibilities (as outlined in section 1)
Children, parents and teachers understand the need for some deviations from the standards of behaviour for children with SEN and do not complain about unfairness in relation to this.
Children are responsive to positive correction, and show respect for other people.
Children are including others in their games.
Children are following yard rules.
Children are following class rules.
Children are following school rules.
School property is respected and there is no intentional damage being caused.
Children, teachers and parents are reporting any bullying behaviour (see anti-bullying code).
Teachers are implementing the range of sanctions and rewards as listed in this policy.
Children, teachers and parents have appropriate awareness of the Code of Behaviour, are consulted about it, and reminded of its content on an ongoing basis.
Children, teachers and parents are greeting each other, saying thank you and please, allowing others to go ahead of them through the door when appropriate.
Children are getting someone’s attention without being rude or interrupting.
Children are not querying the requests of the staff, as they understand these requests are based on the principles of this code.
Bad language or derogatory language is not heard around the school.
The Board of Management continue to be actively involved in the promotion, implementation and review of the code of behaviour.
Behavioural plan strategies are being implemented where necessary and all relevant educational stakeholders have been part of this process.
Where cases of suspension and/or expulsion have occurred the procedures as outlined in this policy have been followed.
Teachers are keeping factual records of incidents of poor/disruptive behaviour in their classes.
Teachers are using the yard book to record incidents of misbehaviour and any other observations of note in relation to the children at playtime.
Serious incidents or issues are recorded in the pupil files and on the Aladdin schools system.
Behaviour is noted in parent/ teacher meetings and in end of year pupil reports
Parents are informing the school about their child/ren’s absences.

14. Review and Ratification

This policy was ratified by the Board of Management of RMDS on 14 June 2010. It was reviewed by the Code of Behaviour committee in November 2011. This document was adopted by the Board of Management at its meeting of 16 January 2012. It is acknowledged that this is a fluid document and will require regular revision to effectively fulfil the aims contained in it. Children, staff, parents and the Board of Management will engage with The Code of Behaviour on an ongoing basis as outlined below;

Children:

Standards of behaviour, sanctions and rewards as detailed in this policy will be reviewed with each class, in an age-appropriate manner, at the start of each school year.
Class rules will also be drawn up at this time.
Class rules will be reviewed after each mid-term and term break with the children
In term three, a lesson in SPHE, will be based of the Code of Behaviour and will be used to gather any feedback from the children. This feedback will be given to the principal.

Staff:

‘Yard’ will remain a standing point on the agenda for monthly staff meetings.
One staff meeting annually will specifically address the Code of Behaviour, where staff can review their responsibilities for its implementation and discuss any suggestions for change or amendment to the document.

Parents:

General parent meetings will address the Code of Behaviour and will give parents a brief outline of the responsibilities of the children, the parents and the staff in ensuring the guidelines are being adhered to and fully implemented.
Parent-teacher meetings will include reference to the behaviour of the individual child.
Feedback sheets will continue to be sent to parents at the end of the year and will allow them to give any feedback about their involvement with the Code of Behaviour during the year.

The Board of Management:

The Board of Management will be kept informed about any major breaches of the Code of Behaviour in monthly meetings throughout the year.
The feedback from the staff meeting, the written feedback from the parents and feedback from the children will be presented to the Board annually by the principal.

Review

This policy will be regularly reviewed in line with the priorities set by the Board of Management.

Signed: Colm Healy - Chairperson, Board of Management
Date: 16 January 2012