DISCIPLINE POLICY (reviewed April 99)

GENERAL AIMS OF DISCIPLINE

The aim of the school is to create a pleasant, happy and caring atmosphere where everyone is encouraged to have consideration for others, respect other people and their property, act with safety, and to behave appropriately, showing honesty and manners at all times.

THE CODE OF CONDUCT

Here is a summary of conduct expected from all children and adults in the school.

1. CHILDREN AND ADULTS SHOULD SHOW RESPECT AND CONSIDERATION FOR EACH OTHER

¨ By talking to each other in a respectful way; avoiding hurtful comments and bad language.

¨ By respecting each other's property both inside and outside the environs of the school.

¨ Violent behaviour is unacceptable at all times.

2. CLASSROOM IS A PLACE OF LEARNING

¨ Children are expected to arrive in the classroom on time.

¨ All children have a right to learn.

¨ Teachers have a right to teach.

¨ Everyone has a right to express themselves, share ideas, and ask questions and to speak without interruption.

¨ Everyone is to be expected to work to the best of their ability.

3. THE SCHOOL IS A SAFE AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT

Children should pay due regard to their own and other's safety in their movements around the school.

¨ In the playground - be aware of others

- Play equipment, as sanctioned by staff, should be used responsibly in designated play areas.

¨ Care should be taken at all times to leave the school clean, tidy and litter free.

¨ Children should leave the school premises in a safe and orderly manner. Where appropriate children should be accompanied by a responsible adult.

¨ Children should line up quietly whenever requested to do so.

¨ Children will be discouraged from foods which we regard as unhealthy or unsafe e.g. sweets, chewing gum, lollipops, drinks in glass bottles. Appropriate playtime fare is fruit or a plain biscuit.

¨ Toys and watches are brought at the owner's own risk.

The school does not tolerate bullying in any form, but sadly it does occur from time to time. The whole discipline code of conduct discourages negative behaviour and bullying in particular. However should you find that your child is a victim in any of its forms, please do not hesitate to contact the school. Your course of action can be through the class teacher, the head teacher or if you prefer through contact with a parent governor, who will ensure that the school is informed so that action can be taken.

4. SCHOOL UNIFORM

A school uniform is preferred as follows:

Boys sensible grey/black trousers (royal blue, black or grey shorts may be worn in summer)

School t-shirt/sweat shirt or blue pullover

Girls grey/black skirt or pinafore (black trousers may be worn in cold weather)

simple blouse, blue cardigan or school t-shirt/sweat shirt

blue/white checked/striped cotton dress or blue and whitw checked/ black cropped trousers(summer)

School sweat shirts/t-shirts can be purchased from Mrs Sue Packham Tel 82540

JEANS are not allowed.

We do require children to be appropriately dressed for the following activities: -

1.Art & Craft - Aprons/Dads old shirt or plastic apron.

2.Games (outside) - Navy Blue Sweatshirt, Black shorts/cycle shorts and trainers*

Children should have a complete change of clothing and an old towel in case they get wet.

3.PE (indoors) - Black shorts/cycle shorts and white t-shirt.

4.Swimming (summer) - Costume, Swimming Hat and Towel.

* Below ankle training are required for outdoor sporting activities.

PLEASE MARK ALL CLOTHING WITH CHILD'S NAME

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES

Our aim is to promote a positive ethos in school and make children feel good about themselves. We should remember that good behaviour and attitudes surround us and we want to celebrate them!

Good behaviour may warrant the issuing of a spotlight award.

It is usually only a small minority of children who cause bad behaviour in school.

Bow School is adopting an Assertive Discipline Policy.

Acts of misbehaviour are punished by: -

Pages will be retained for recording purposes, but a new page will be used for each week.

BULLYING

The school acknowledges there is always a risk of bullying therefore a clear plan of action is in place to minimise these occurrences and to alleviate the suffering placed on the victim as quickly and as sensitively as possible. Our main guidelines are following "A Devon Approach to Dealing with Bullying". We adopt a school -wide approach to the problem consistent with the model below: -

   

 

managing a positive ethos in which

   
         
 

providing children with strategies for personal protection and developing

 
   

developing,equipping adults to deal consistently with incidents of bullying

   
         
   

successful peer relationships as part of effective education

   
         
   

people value and respect each other

   

 

The school management systems ensure that the timings of the day, the facilities for recreation periods, (including alternative play areas for active and quiet pursuits), the quality of pupil supervision, the access by children to adults with the time to listen; all reduce the opportunities for bullying to an absolute minimum.

The school ethos sets out to promote personal confidence and self-esteem in pupils. Pupils are valued for their positive qualities and at the same time, encouraged to channel their negative feelings appropriately.

When incidents of bullying occur all staff are approachable and receptive to children's reports of bullying and at the same time all adults in the school should be alert to signs of bullying.

1. When bullying occurs, adults will promptly intervene to stop the bullying and provide reassurance and support for the person being bullied.

2. Any teacher may deal with an incident, but the Head Teacher should be informed if the bullying is of a more serious nature.

3. A record should be kept of every incident and should include the children's own accounts of what happened. Parents should be informed of events and outcomes.

4. Pupils being bullied will be given access to a member of staff with whom they can discuss any further problems and it may be necessary to work with pupil and parent on strategies that will help to safeguard against further incidents.

5. Children who bully will be made aware that it is their unacceptable behaviour that is the cause of disapproval.

6. There will need to be continuous review and observation for some time after the bullying appears to have ended.

7. The bully should be made aware of the victim's point of view.

Different types of bullying

Short term

Long term

Physical

Verbal

Threats

Teasing

Interfering with belongings

Sexually and racially offensive

Ridicule

Invasion of privacy

Vandalism

Intimidatory exclusion from games and activities

Name-calling

Subtle, sly intimidation

Bully gangs

In conclusion, we hope the occurrences of bullying are nominal and that the teaching and the general school ethos sets out to promote personal confidence and self esteem in all pupils. It is fundamental that all children are valued for their positive qualities.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

"Action Against Bullying" - SCRE

"Devon Approach To Dealing With Bullying" - Devon Education

AGAINST BULLYING

A guide for parents

Bow school has an anti-bullying policy. In the policy we are aware that there is bullying in every school, including ours, but we aim to have a clear set of procedures to counter and deal with bullying and to encourage mutual respect, understanding and tolerance. Parents and families have a vital part to play in helping schools deal with bullying:

Parents and families are often the first to detect that a problem exists. Signs may include: - Contact the school if you are worried.     If you think your child is being bullied:     If your child has been involved in bullying:     We all have a responsibilityto ensure we have a bully-free school.   Research has shown that when bullying is known about, it can be stopped.