Code of Behaviour Policy

Ballymacward N.S.
Roll No. 19283T

1. Introductory Statement

Ballymacward Central N.S. Code of Behaviour is the result of the ongoing

consultation and collaboration between the Principal, staff, parents and BOM. It
was reviewed and reformulated during the school year 2009/2010 in the light of
“Developing a Code of Behaviour” – Guidelines for Schools” issued by the
National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB). The code was drawn up in
consultation with the BOM and the Parents and in discussion with the pupils.
This will ensure a whole school approach to behaviour in the school.

In drawing up the code, consideration has been given to the particular needs and
circumstances of the school and our pupils. The aim of the Code is to ensure that
the individuality of each pupil is respected, while acknowledging the right of
each pupil to education in a relatively disruption free and safe environment.

RELATIONSHIP TO CHARACTERISTIC ETHOS OF THE SCHOOL

Our Code of Behaviour relates to the mission statement of Ballymacward N.S.

in that is will nurture a caring environment in which each child can develop
his/her full potential and grow in the knowledge that his/her individual talents
are valued.

AIMS

 To promote good behaviour in our school.

 To enhance the learning environment where 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 recognising the differences
between children and the need to accommodate these differences.
 To ensure the safety and well being of all members of the school community.
 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.
 To ensure that the system of rules, rewards and sanctions are implemented in
a fair and consistent manner.
 ATTENDANCE

 When a child is absent, a written note explaining the reason for the child’s
absence must be given to the class teacher when the child returns to school.
Parents of pupils from 1st to 6th classes must use the absence notes at the back
of their homework diaries. Parent of junior and senior infants should write a
note to the child’s teacher.
 Parents are asked to note mid-term breaks and end of term closures when
planning family holidays. It is inadvisable for students to miss time out of the
school terms due to holidays.
 If a child is absent for 20 days the school is obliged to inform the NEWB. In
the event of a child missing 20 days from school, parents will be informed in
writing.

CONTENT OF POLICY

1. Guidelines for behaviour in our school

Standards of behaviour

The standards of behaviour set out:

 The expectations for pupils, staff, parents and BOM and how they will
treat each other.
 The kinds of behaviour and relationships that will create a positive
environment for teaching and learning.

The adults in this school have a responsibility to model the school’s standards of
behaviour in their dealings both with the students and with each other, as their
example is a powerful source of learning for students.

The standards of behaviour expected from all members of the school community
are:

 Respect for self and other

 Kindness and willingness to help others
 Courtesy and good manners
 Fairness
 Readiness to use respectful ways of resolving difficulties and conflict
 Forgiveness

Standards which signal unacceptable behaviour include:

 Behaviour that is hurtful (including bullying, harassment, discrimination

and victimisation)
  Behaviour that interferes with teaching and learning
 Threats or physical hurt to another person.
 Damage to property
 Theft

The standards below describe the commitment the school expects from students
to their own learning and of their peers. This commitment includes:

 Attending school regularly and punctually

 Doing ones best in class
 Taking responsibility for ones work
 Keeping the rules
 Helping to create a safe, positive environment
 Respecting staff
 Respecting other students and their learning
 Participation in school activities

Our school rules reflect these standards

School Rules

 Respect your teacher at all times.

 Respect other pupils.
 Respect classrooms, surroundings and all school property.
 Children must wear their school uniform at all times, and also wear indoor
shores. Hair should be kept neat and tidy, make-up and inappropriate
hairstyles and colour are not allowed.
 Children must be punctual at all times. They must be in the school for
classes at 9:20am.
 Answer the bell promptly at the end of each break.
 A note of explanation must be given to the your teacher when you are
absent. N.B. under the terms of the Education Welfare Act no child
should miss more than 20 days except for health reasons. It is mandatory
for schools to report absences beyond this point.
 Homework must be done neatly and carefully.
 Climbing and walking on school walls is not allowed.
 Chewing gum, crisps, fizzy drinks, sweets and bars are not allowed in
school.
 In the interest of health and safety, stud earrings only allowed.
 Habits such as bad language, spitting etc. will be treated very seriously.
 Pupils may not leave the school grounds during school hours without
permission.

The school rules are based on:

Respect for self
Respect for others
Respect for the environment

Respect for self

Each pupil should try to develop a responsible attitude towards themselves and
their property by:

 Being on time in the morning and after breaks.

 Bringing a note to the class teachers to explain absences and lateness.
 Respecting their health by being properly dressed for cold and wet
weather, avoiding getting wet by playing in the wet or puddles.
 Wearing the school uniform and being clean and neat at all times.
 Looking after their own belongings, books, hurleys, helmets etc.
 Wearing a helmet if playing hurling or camogie.
 Not climbing on walls of buildings.
 Not being in possession of items such as mobile phones, tippex, matches,
lighters, knives, cigarettes, or any other item or substance, which might be
deemed unsuitable in primary school.
 Making an honest effort to do his/her work to the best of his/her ability.
Doing homework where possible and presenting all work neatly.
 Being careful outside school where cars are parked in the morning and at
home time.
 Not running outside the school rooms or corridors and being careful while
running outside so as not to endanger others by knocking them over.

Respect for Others

Each pupil should recognise the rights of others i.e. fellow pupils, teacher,
school workers and visitors to the school.
They are encouraged to do this by:
 Their right to do their work without interference
 The teacher’s right to teach without constant interference
 Their property
 Their good name
 Their right to speak the truth

To enable those rights to be enjoyed pupils will be required to be:

 Courteous towards each other, their teachers, school workers and visitors.
 Address others properly i.e. fellow pupils by their Christian names and
others by title eg. Fr., Mrs., Miss etc.
 Not to use bad language or nicknames.
 Get into line in a quiet, orderly manner.
 To obey the teacher’s
 To play the games fairly and not to exclude anybody.
  Not to mock or jeer others because of appearance, style or ability.
 Be truthful and honest at all times.

Respect for the environment

Pupils will, at all times, be expected to treat their school environment with the
greatest care and respect.
School Property
1. Pupils should wear indoor shoes (slippers) while in the classroom. Shoes
should be reasonably presented and worn properly.
2. Junior shoes and slippers should have Velcro fastenings.
3. Coats and shoes should be stored properly.
4. There should be no writing on walls, desks, etc.
5. Pupils should respect computers, televisions, videos, CD players, sports
equipment, soap, toilet rolls and flower pots.
6. Pupils should avoid throwing litter and dispose of same in the correct
litter bin for recycling purposed.
7. Pupils should leave desks and classrooms tidy each evening and place
chairs on table-tops for cleaning purposed.
8. Pupils should not climb on walls, trees, shed or swing on goalposts or
crossbars.
9. Never bring chewing gum to school.
10.Leave the school as you would like to find it.

The standards expected in the Code of Behaviour apply in any situation where
pupils are still the responsibility of the school. These include school trips,
swimming, going on and from the church, fieldtrips and after school games.

Playground Rules:

 Include other pupils in games and activities.

 Follow general rules & guidelines of games being played.

Classroom rules:

Each class teacher is responsible during the month of September for drawing up
a list of class rules with his/her class, which reflect the class rules, involve the
students in the decision making and are taught to the class together with the
Code of Behaviour.

Students with special educational needs

Pupils with special educational needs will be required to follow the school’s
“Code of Behaviour” but teachers will use their professional judgement in
relation to regularity and level of sanctions. While teachers must be seen to be
fair in the eyes of other children who may have exhibited the same type of
misdeameanors, they will also show leniency and understanding in relation to
children with specific learning / behavioural / emotional difficulties. Parents of
these children will be kept informed of their child’s behaviour on a regular basis
and may be requested to work with the school in devising effective strategies to
help the child to improve his/her behaviour. This may involve working and co-
operating
 A visit to another member of Staff or the Principal for commendation.
 A word of praise in front of a group or class.
 Points, treats or stickers are awarded to individuals/teams/class for good
behaviour and effort put into school and homework.
 Extra privileges like extended computer time, extra story time, extended
PE.
 Special class treats; watch a DVD; homework pass.
 Positive comments to the principal.

Responding to inappropriate behaviour

An understanding of the factors that influence behaviour is fundamental to

developing and implementing that school’s code of behaviour. Staff are familiar
with the factors that influence behaviour in the guidelines, and staff will
consider reasons why particular behaviour has emerged and is ongoing. These
will be taken in to account when planning intervention and support to encourage
a child to modify behaviour. The list below is and indication of what the school
considers to be minor and serious misbehaviour, although it is not possible to
provide and exhaustive list of misdemeanours.

Minor Misbehaviour and Sanctions

 Interrupting class work (e.g. walking around the classroom without

permission; talking at the wrong time; making noise; fiddling; eating at
the wrong time.
 Wearing incorrect uniform.
 Running in the school building.
 Placing unfinished food/drink cartons in the class bin.
 Leaving litter around the school.
 Not responding to the school bell in a timely manner.
 Disruptive behaviour in the bathroom/cloakroom.
 Lack of compliance with school policy on hair and jewellery.
 Being discourteous, unmannerly or answering back.
 Not completing homework without good reason.

It is important to note that these sanctions are examples only and other types of
behaviour will also incur sanctions.

Examples of Serious Misdemeanours

  Persistent less serious misbehaviour despite all interventions – both
rewards and sanctions.
 Telling lies (interpreting what a “lie” will relate to age of the child).
 Endangering self/other pupils in the schoolyard at breat time
 Malicious damage to school/other people’s property
 Leaving school premises during school day without appropriate
permission
 Using bad language
 Deliberately injuring another pupil or staff member.
 Bullying (see separate Policy document)
 Using a mobile phone during school hours

The degree of misdemeanours i.e. minor, or serious, will be judged by the

teachers and/or principal based on common sense approach with regard to the
gravity/frequently of such misdemeanours.

Strategies for dealing with misbehaviour

 The teacher will remind the child of the rule or emphasise the behaviour
expected.
 If the behaviour is repeated, the student is reminded of the behaviour
required and informed of the consequence associated with continued
misbehaviour. They are given a choice – a sanction or change/improve
their behaviour.
 The student may be separated from other pupils in the classroom (“time-
out”) – either by changing places with another student or moving to an
isolated desk. During this time they still partake in class work.
 The child may be asked to discuss their behaviour with the teacher.
 If the misbehaviour continues, the student may be removed to another
classroom for a “cool down” period (15 mins). The student is given an
assignment/classwork to complete during this time and will be
encouraged to reflect on their behaviour.
 Detention at break times will be used for serious misbehaviour. Pupils
will sit in the hall for 5 mins at break time and/or ten mins at lunch time.
Pupils will be required to complete a time-out sheet (2nd to 6th class only).
 Parents will be informed as soon as it is perceived that difficulties are
developing with regard to their child’s behaviour. Teachers may write a
note in the homework notebook to be signed by parents. Parents may also
be informed by phone.
 Pupil will be required to fill a personal response sheet.
 If the misbehaviour continues or in the case of a serious incident, the
parents will be requested to meet the class teacher.
  In the event of ongoing incidents or serious misbehaviour, the parents will
be invited to meet the class teacher, the Principal and/or the Chairperson
of the Board of Management.
 In the case of serious misbehaviour the pupil may be kept in detention at
all/some breaks for a specified period. Parents will be informed of such
intention.
 In the event of a serious/gross incident of misbehaviour or where a pupil
is continuously disruptive he/she may be suspended by the
Principal/Board of Management for a minor fixed period of one to three
school days. The procedures for suspension are outlined below.
 Procedures outlined in the schools Anti-Bullying policy which forms part
of the schools overall Code of Behaviours may apply i.e. 2 members of
staff speaking to pupils on an individual basis in relation to reported
incidents/incidences.

Procedures for Suspension:

The Board of Management and Staff of Ballymacward Central N.S. will follow
the procedures for suspension and expulsion outlined in the Guidelines for
Schools on Developing a Code of Behaviour (Chapters 10-12).

Fair procedures (i.e. the right to be heard and the right to impartiality) will be
applied at all times. Accordingly, pupils and their parents will be fully informed
about the alleged misbehaviour and the processes that will be used to investigate
and decide the matter and they will be given an opportunity to respond to an
allegation before a decision is made and before a serious sanction is imposed.