Good behaviour in schools is fundamental in order to create an environment of excellence and a culture of aspiration in all school activities.
Good behaviour enables all members of the school community to focus on learning and to be able to thrive in an atmosphere of respect and compassion.
It is expected that:
- All learners to behave well and to show courtesy towards teachers and other staff and towards each other
- Parents/carers to encourage their children to behave well and to support the school to manage learner behaviour
- All school employees to model the highest standards of behaviour and professionalism in the workplace
- Headteachers to help to create a culture of good behaviour in school by requiring staff to manage learner behaviour and to ensure that this happens consistently across the school
- Headteachers and Education Services to deal with allegations against teachers and other school staff quickly, fairly and consistently in a way that protects the learner and at the same time supports the person who is the subject of the allegation
- That every teacher will be well trained in managing and improving learners' behaviour
Headteachers are responsible for developing a behaviour policy for their establishment, and this should be available on the school website. The policy should outline how the school praises and rewards learners for good behaviour and positive contributions to the school community as well as the school rules and any consequences for poor behaviour. In order to maintain a positive learning environment for all members of the school community, the policy must establish the standards of behaviour expected of learners at the school, on visits and trips and school transport. The policy should also outline how those standards will be achieved.
The policy also covers the following topics:
- Powers to manage behaviour;
- Consequences;
- Support and partnership;
- Allegations of abuse against staff;
- Exclusion from school; and
- Parents/carers.
A copy of the Policy Directive is available in the downloads section of this page.
