Behaviour and Discipline

We strive to provide a positive learning environment where all abilities can prosper. Responsible attitudes to work and thoughtfulness towards others are expected and encouraged. Positive attitudes, behaviour and work are recognised and praised by staff. Rewards are often given in the main school consisting of stickers for good work (generally for infants) and for positive behaviour. House points and merit certificates for both infants and juniors reinforce positive attitudes. Lunchtime Supervisor Awards are given to children exhibiting a sensible attitude over the lunchtime break.

Should a child give us cause for concern, either for lack of effort with work or with behaviour, then in the first instance this is dealt with by the class teacher. If necessary, senior members of staff including the Head become involved in talking and target setting with the child. Should negative attitudes persist, then we will contact parents to make sure that they are aware of our concerns and to seek their co-operation and support.

Sanctions may include loss of privileges, restriction to certain areas, loss of break and lunchtimes. Corporal punishment is not used.

The vast majority of our pupils behave well at lunchtimes. On the rare occasions when there is unacceptable behaviour then a range of counselling and sanctions may be offered or applied. For more serious issues parents are contacted by phone or letter. Should there be a need to exclude a child at lunchtime, then this takes place the day after the offence and it is the parent’s duty to make arrangements for their child. All permanent and fixed exclusions now need to be notified to the LEA and DFE. A lunchtime exclusion now counts as an official exclusion.

Bullying

School Statement:  Loatlands Primary School is committed to providing a caring, safe and friendly environment in which children can learn in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable. The school stance is to have zero tolerance of bullying and to deal with incidents in the most effective manner we can. Pupils are taught to respect themselves and others and if bullying does occur pupils should feel comfortable to be able to talk to someone about it.

Definition of Bullying:  Having consulted with the parents, staff and children, it has been decided that bullying can be described as a deliberate action(s) in order to hurt or upset someone. It may hurt someone physically or it may hurt his or her feelings. Bullying is continued, repeated and personal rather than one off acts of aggression.

We encourage all parents and children to make us aware as quickly as possible of any bullying incidents. We would ask pupils and parents to try and distinguish between the one off incidents that occasionally happen and the behaviour described in the above definition. The school will listen carefully and record such incidents. As well as giving support to the victim, full investigations into the incidents will be conducted. Parents will be informed as appropriate. Counselling, assemblies and sessions to highlight that bullying is unacceptable will be undertaken as part of the school’s Physical, Health and Social education programme. The school subscribes to the DFES’s Bullying – A Charter for Action.

The school has worked towards the Bronze Stage Anti-Bullying Award.