Written Statement of Behaviour Principles

The Education and Inspections Act 2006 and DfE guidance document for governing bodies (Behaviour and Discipline in Schools, 2015) requires the governing body to make and frequently review a written statement of general behaviour principles to guide the Headteacher in determining measures to promote good behaviour.

This is a statement of principles, not practice.  Practical applications of these principles are the responsibility of the Headteacher.

The Governors at Westerhope Primary School believe that high standards of behaviour lie at the heart of a successful school and enable children to make the best possible progress in all aspects of their school life.

The purpose of this statement is to give guidance to the Headteacher in drawing up the Behaviour Policy by stating the principles the Governors expect to be followed. The Headteacher has a duty to publish the statement on the school website.

The Headteacher will develop the Behaviour Policy with reference to the DfE guidance document Behaviour and Discipline in Schools – Advice for Headteachers and School Staff, January 2016.

At Westerhope Primary School we believe that we are all special and unique and that we can all reach the stars through learning.

We believe all members of the school community have the right to:

• Learn/teach
• Be safe
• Be treated with respect

Our behaviour principles

• Every pupil understands they have the right to feel safe, valued and respected, and learn free from the disruption of others
• All pupils, staff and visitors are free from any form of discrimination
• Staff and volunteers set an excellent example to pupils at all times
• The behaviour policy is understood by pupils and staff
• Rewards and sanctions are used consistently by staff, in line with the behaviour policy
• Pupils are helped to take responsibility for their actions and supported to manage and understand their emotions
• Families are involved in behaviour incidents to foster good relationships between the school and pupils’ home life
• The exclusions policy explains that exclusions will only be used as a last resort, and outlines the processes involved in permanent and fixed-term exclusions

The Local Governing Body also emphasises that violence or threatening behaviour will not be tolerated in any circumstances.

This written statement of behaviour principles is reviewed and approved by the Westerhope Primary School Local Governing Body annually.