1. Introduction
1.1 Purpose of the policy
The Student Behaviour Policy at the Holy Cross Greek School is designed to promote a positive, safe, and supportive learning environment where all students can thrive. The policy outlines the expectations for student conduct and provides clear guidelines for managing behaviour, ensuring that all students feel respected, valued, and able to achieve their full potential.
For the purpose of this policy, reference to ‘staff’ covers all employees, committee, officers, consultants, contractors, volunteers, interns, casual workers, trainees and agency workers.
1.2 Legal Framework
This policy is informed by the following legislation and guidance:
Education Act 2002
Education and Inspections Act 2006
Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) (2023)
Equality Act 2010
Children Act 1989 and 2004
Behaviour and Discipline in Schools (2016)
Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)
2. Aims and objectives
2.1 Aims
Promote positive behaviour: To create an environment where positive behaviour is encouraged, and all students can learn and develop in a supportive atmosphere.
Ensure safety and welfare: To safeguard the safety and welfare of all students by maintaining high standards of behaviour.
Support personal development: To help students develop self-discipline, respect for others, and the ability to take responsibility for their actions.
2.2 Objectives
To clearly communicate the school’s expectations regarding behaviour.
To establish a consistent approach to behaviour management across the school.
To provide a framework for recognising and rewarding positive behaviour.
To outline procedures for addressing inappropriate behaviour.
3. Roles and responsibilities
3.1 Governing Body (the Holy Cross Greek School Committee)
The Governing Body is responsible for:
Reviewing and approving the Student Behaviour Policy annually.
Ensuring the policy is effectively implemented and monitored.
Supporting the Headteacher in maintaining high standards of student behaviour.
3.2 Headteacher
The Headteacher is responsible for:
Implementing the Student Behaviour Policy consistently across the school.
Monitoring the effectiveness of the policy and reporting to the Governing Body.
3.3 Staff
All staff are responsible for:
Upholding the Student Behaviour Policy and modelling positive behaviour.
Managing behaviour in a consistent and fair manner.
Encouraging and reinforcing positive behaviour among students.
Reporting and recording incidents of inappropriate behaviour in line with school procedures.
3.4 Students
Students are responsible for:
- Following the school’s behaviour expectations and rules.
- Respecting their peers, staff, and the school environment.
- Taking responsibility for their actions and learning from their mistakes.
3.5 Parents/Carers
Parents/Carers are responsible for:
Supporting the school’s behaviour policy and reinforcing its principles at home.
Communicating with the school regarding any concerns about their child’s behaviour.
Encouraging their child to behave responsibly and respectfully.
4. Behaviour expectations
4.1 General expectations
Respect: Students are expected to show respect for themselves, their peers, staff, and the school environment.
Responsibility: Students should take responsibility for their own behaviour and its impact on others.
Safety: Students must follow school rules that are in place to ensure the safety of everyone in the school community.
Learning: Students are expected to engage positively with their learning, contributing to a productive classroom environment.
4.2 Classroom behaviour
Attentiveness: Students should listen carefully, follow instructions, and stay on task.
Participation: Students are encouraged to participate actively in lessons, contributing ideas and supporting their classmates.
Respect for property: Students should treat school property and the belongings of others with care.
4.3 Behaviour around school
Movement: Students should move around the school calmly and quietly, respecting the personal space of others.
Courtesy: Students are expected to be polite and considerate in their interactions with others.
Environment: Students should help keep the school clean and tidy, disposing of litter appropriately.
4.4 Online behaviour
Digital conduct: Students must use digital devices responsibly, following the school’s acceptable use policy.
Respectful communication: Online interactions should be respectful and not involve bullying, harassment, or inappropriate language.
5. Rewards and recognition
5.1 Positive Reinforcement
Praise: Verbal and written praise is used to acknowledge and reinforce positive behaviour.
Merits/awards: Students may receive merits, certificates, or other awards for demonstrating excellent behaviour, effort, or improvement.
Special responsibilities: Students who consistently display positive behaviour may be given additional responsibilities or leadership roles within the school.
5.2 Celebration of achievements
Assemblies: Regular assemblies are held to celebrate students’ achievements and positive behaviour.
End-of-term awards: Special awards may be given at the end of each term to recognise outstanding behaviour and contributions to the school community.
6. Addressing inappropriate behaviour
6.1 Minor Incidents
Classroom management: Teachers are encouraged to use a range of strategies to address minor behaviour issues, such as gentle reminders, time-outs, or a change of seating.
Restorative practices: Where appropriate, students may be involved in restorative conversations to reflect on their behaviour and its impact on others.
6.2 Repeated or serious incidents
Behavioural warnings: Repeated or serious inappropriate behaviour may result in verbal or written warnings.
Behaviour contracts: In some cases, a behaviour contract may be established to set clear expectations and consequences for future behaviour.
Detentions: Detentions may be used as a consequence for serious or repeated breaches of the behaviour policy.
Parents will be informed of repeated or serious incidents and will be invited to work together with the school to address inappropriate behaviour
6.3 Exclusion
Internal exclusion: For more serious incidents, students may be removed from their usual classes and placed in internal exclusion.
Fixed-term exclusion: In cases of severe misconduct, the Headteacher may issue a fixed-term exclusion.
Permanent exclusion: Permanent exclusion will be considered only in the most serious cases, where the safety and well-being of the school community are at significant risk.
7. Bullying and discriminatory behaviour
7.1 Zero Tolerance
Anti-bullying commitment: The Holy Cross Greek school has a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, harassment, and discriminatory behaviour of any kind.
Reporting: Students and staff are encouraged to report any incidents of bullying or discrimination immediately. All reports will be taken seriously and investigated promptly.
7.2 Support for Victims
Pastoral support: Students who are victims of bullying or discrimination will receive support from the school’s pastoral team.
Intervention: The school will work with the perpetrator to address and change their behaviour, using restorative practices where appropriate.
8. Monitoring and review
8.1 Monitoring behaviour
Behaviour logs: Incidents of inappropriate behaviour will be recorded in the school’s behaviour log, which will be monitored regularly by senior staff. Incidents will remain in the behaviour log for a period of 7 years.
Data analysis: Behaviour data will be analysed to identify trends, inform interventions, and support the continuous improvement of behaviour management strategies.
8.2 Policy review
Annual review: This policy will be reviewed annually by the Governing Body to ensure its effectiveness and relevance.
Stakeholder feedback: Feedback from students, staff, and parents will be considered as part of the review process.
9. Communication of policy
9.1 Staff training
Induction: All new staff will receive training on the Student Behaviour Policy as part of their induction.
Ongoing development: Regular training sessions will be held to ensure all staff are confident in managing behaviour and implementing this policy.
9.2 Student and parent awareness
Student understanding: The policy will be communicated to students through assemblies, classroom discussions, and the school’s code of conduct.
Parent engagement: The policy will be made available to parents via the school website, and key aspects will be discussed during parent meetings and school events.
Version date: 18 November 2024