Code of Behaviour

Introductory Statement

The following Code of Behaviour was first developed in 2012. It was most recently reviewed and revised on 9th March 2023.

Scoil Chros tSeáin aims to provide a happy, secure, friendly, learning environment, where children, parents/guardians, teachers, special needs assistants, ancillary staff and Board of Management work in partnership. Each individual is valued, encouraged and respected for their uniqueness and facilitated to reach their full potential in a positive atmosphere.

 

Rationale

The review of the Code of Behaviour was conducted to ensure that it is in compliance with legal requirements and good practice as set out in ‘Developing a Code of Behaviour: Guidelines for Schools.’ National Education Welfare Board (2008)

It is a requirement under the Education Welfare Act, 2000, Section 23 (1) which refers to the obligation on schools to prepare a code of behaviour in respect of the students registered at the school. It details in Section 23(2), that the code of behaviour shall specify: 

1.   The standards of behaviour that shall be observed by each student attending the school
2.   The measures that shall be taken when a student fails or refuses to observe those standards
3.   The procedures to be followed before a student may be suspended or expelled from the school concerned
4.   The grounds for removing a suspension imposed in relation to a student
5.   The procedures to be followed in relation to a child’s absence from school

 

 

School Ethos

Scoil Chros tSeáin is a Catholic primary school which strives to provide a well-ordered, caring, happy and secure atmosphere, where the intellectual, emotional, spiritual, physical, moral and cultural needs of the pupils are identified and developed.

While Scoil Chros tSeáin is a school with a Catholic ethos, it also gives due recognition to other religions. Our aim is to develop each child’s potential by providing an opportunity for his complete holistic development and growth through academic, creative, sporting and social opportunities in a positive, stimulating caring environment.

At Scoil Chros tSeáin, each and every boy is cherished and respected.  The staff work as a dedicated, professional, caring team and each member makes a valuable contribution to the school Community. We promote tolerance and respect for all in the school community.

The management, staff, parents and pupils endeavour to make this school a welcoming place, a place of partnership, where we work together to enable each child to realise his full potential so that he may go on to lead a full life in society

 

Aims

The aims of this Code of Behaviour are: 

• To acknowledge the right of each child to an education in a safe environment
• To allow the school to function in an orderly and harmonious environment
• To provide guidance for pupils, teachers and parents/guardians on the behavioural expectations and systems in place and to seek their co-operation in the application of these
• To promote/encourage positive behaviour among all our children
• To promote equality and fairness among all
• To enhance the learning environment of the school by promoting a sense of mutual respect among all members of the school community
• To ensure that the system of rules, rewards, and sanctions are implemented in a fair and consistent manner throughout the school
• To ensure the safety and well -being of all members of the school community by encouraging an atmosphere of respect, tolerance and consideration for others
• To outline the structure of fair and agreed sanctions that will be available to teachers in response to negative behaviour
• Recognise that every member of the school community has a role to play in the implementation of the Code of Behaviour

 

Roles and Responsibilities

An effective Code of behaviour requires the co-operation of all stakeholders in the school. To this end there are specific roles and responsibilities in achieving high standards of behaviour in our school.

Board of Management

The Board of Management is expected to:

• Provide a comfortable, safe environment
• Uphold the characteristic spirit of the school and be accountable to the patron in this respect
• Support the Principal and staff in implementing the code
• Ratify the Code

The Principal

The Principal is expected to:

• Promote a positive climate in the school
• Ensure that the Code of Behaviour is implemented in a fair and consistent manner
• Arrange for a review of the code as required but not more than 3 years

 Teachers / SNAs

Teachers and SNAs are expected to:

• Support and implement the school’s Code of Behaviour
• Be cognisant of their duty of care
• Create a safe, welcoming atmosphere for their pupils
• Praise desirable behaviour
• Facilitate pupils to reach their full academic potential
• Be courteous, consistent and fair with pupils and parents
• Draft a list of class rules with the children which reflect and support the school rules, but are presented in a way that is accessible to the pupils (teachers)
• Keep opportunities for disruption to a minimum
• Keep record of serious/gross misbehaviour or repeated instances of minor misbehaviour using our school Behaviour / Incident record document
• Provide support for colleagues

Parents/guardians

Parents/guardians are expected to:

• Encourage children to have a sense of respect for themselves and for property
• Ensure their children attend regularly and punctually
• Be familiar with the code of behaviour and support its implementation
• Be interested in, support and encourage their children’s schoolwork
• Equip pupils with appropriate school materials, a sufficient healthy lunch and full uniform
• Treat all members of the school community with respect
• Make an appointment to meet with a teacher/the Principal through the office
• Provide a note for all absenteeism
• Inform the class teacher of any change to collection procedure for their children
• Co-operate with teachers in instances where their child’s behaviour is causing difficulty to others
• Communicate to the school problems when may affect their child’s behaviour
• Label pupils’ coats and other personal property

Pupils

Pupils are expected to:

• Attend school regularly and punctually
• Listen to their teachers and act on instruction / advice
• Show respect for themselves
• Show respect for all members of the school community and visitors
• Avoid behaving in a way which would endanger others
• Avoid distracting / disruptive behaviour
• Avoid nasty remarks, swearing and name-calling
• Include other pupils in games and activities
• Bring the correct materials and books to school
• Follow school and class rules
• Wear your school uniform / tracksuit on appointed days

 

Implementation

Every member of the school community has a role to play in the implementation of the Code of Behaviour. Rules will be kept to a minimum, positive behaviour emphasised and rules will be applied in a fair and consistent manner, with due regard to the age of the pupils and to individual difference. Good behaviour will be encouraged and rewarded. The school’s SPHE curriculum is used to support the Code of Behaviour. It aims to help our children develop communication skills, appropriate ways of interacting and behaving, and conflict resolution skills. Programmes such as RSE (Relationships & Sexuality Education), Walk Tall, Stay Safe & Weaving Well-Being will be used to promote positive behaviour. There will be unique opportunities for pupils and teachers to devise class rules and contracts. The school provides a broad and balanced curriculum which is inclusive, engaging and motivating for the pupils. There is a balance between free play and structured activities during break times which promote the development of pupils’ social skills. 

Where difficulties arise, parents will be contacted at an early stage.

 

SEN Pupils

All pupils are required to comply with the Code of Behaviour. However, the school recognises that pupils with special needs may require assistance in understanding certain rules. Planning to encourage positive behaviour will be included in the pupil’s IEP, which is drawn up in consultation with parents/guardians and the class teacher, special education teacher and/or the Principal. Staff will work closely with the home to ensure that optimal support is given. Cognitive development will be taken into account at all times. Professional advice from psychological assessments will be taken into consideration. The children in the class or school may be taught strategies to assist a pupil with special needs adhere to the rules and thus provide peer support. This will be done in a supportive and safe way, acknowledging and respecting the difference in all individuals.

 

Where the Code of Behaviour Applies

The code of behaviour applies on outings, tours and on all related activities. These activities are designed for the educational, social and recreational benefit of the pupils. However, if individual pupils are deemed to be at risk to themselves or to other pupils and staff, they can, in exceptional circumstances, be refused permission to participate. In such cases, parents/guardians will be informed by the school and alternative arrangements will be made for the pupil in school.

 

Guidelines for positive behaviour 

• Pupils are expected to treat all adults and fellow pupils with respect and courtesy at all times. Behaviour that interferes with the rights of others to learn and to feel safe is unacceptable.
• Pupils are expected to show respect for all school property and to keep the school environment clean and litter free.
• Pupils are expected to take pride in their appearance, to wear the correct uniform on designated days, to have all books and required materials and to be in the right place at the right time.
• Pupils are expected to obey a teacher’s instructions, to work to the best of their ability and to present assignments neatly.

 

Strategies/Incentives for encouraging positive behaviour

Positive reinforcement of good behaviour leads to better self-discipline and in Scoil Chros tSeáin we place a greater emphasis on rewards and incentives than on sanctions.

• A quiet word or gesture to show approval
• A comment on a child’s copybook or journal
• A visit to another class or Principal for commendation
• Praise in front of class group
• Individual class merit awards, points awarded or award stamps/stickers
• Agreed class or individual rewards
• Delegating some special responsibility or privilege
• Written or verbal communication with parent

Bullying

Bullying is repeated verbal, psychological or physical aggression by an individual or group against others. The most common forms of bullying are aggressive physical contact, name-calling, intimidation, extortion, isolation, taunting and cyber bullying. Bullying will not be tolerated, and parents/guardians will be expected to co-operate with the school at all times in dealing with instances of bullying in accordance with the school’s Anti-Bullying Policy.

 

Procedures

The degree of misdemeanours (minor, serious or gross) will be judged by the teachers and principal with regard to the gravity and frequency of such misdemeanours and the age of the child. Pupils will be given the opportunity to reflect on their own behaviour and how others have been affected by it so as to help heal broken relationships and prevent recurrence. Through this restorative practice, the children are given an opportunity to take responsibility for their own behaviour.

 Examples of Minor Misbehaviour

• Failure to follow the instructions of the class teacher, ancillary staff or yard supervisor
• Careless about not putting litter in bins provided
• Damage to school property or property of others
• Failure to line up, move safely around the school building or heed the bell on yard
• Leaving the school yard without permission
• Failure to get homework/journal signed
• Careless presentation of schoolwork
• Failure to complete homework
• Failure to wear school uniform/tracksuit including appropriate footwear (except when excused for a good reason with a written note from parents/guardians)

 Sanctions

• Correction by class teacher, other teacher, ancillary staff, visiting teachers or coaches
• An apology from pupil

Repeated Minor Breaches: Repeated instances of the above

Further Sanctions

• Further correction by class teacher, other teacher, ancillary staff, visiting teachers or coaches
• Incident noted on the class Behaviour / Incident record document
• Phonecall or note to parents/guardians
• Written task / reflective worksheet to be signed by parents/guardians
• Referral to Principal

 

Examples of More Serious Misbehaviour 

• Use of foul or offensive language/gestures
• Leaving yard and entering school building without permission
• Damage of a more serious nature to school property or property of others
• Dangerous/rough play
• Acts of aggression
• Repeated failure to complete homework
• Disruption of class
• Disrespect towards staff
• Disrespect towards visitors to school or towards other children
• Bullying
• Derogatory reference towards another person’s race, gender, religion, physical condition, sexuality or ethnic origin
• Use of a mobile phone by a pupil on school grounds during school hours
• Possession of any item likely to be injurious to the child or others or likely to damage school property e.g., knives, matches, blades, cigarette lighters
• Skipping school/school activities
• Spitting

Sanctions

• Referral to Principal
• Incident noted on the class Behaviour / Incident record document
• Contact with parents/guardians
• Withdrawal of privileges for example: withdrawal from yard under supervision, withdrawal from school teams, tours, trips and in group activities
• Confiscation of dangerous items
• Confiscation of mobile phone during school hours, with parents/guardians needing to collect the item from the office
• Written apology from pupil/behaviour reflection exercise signed by parents/guardians
• Cleaning up so as to restore school building, grounds or furnishings to correct state

 

Examples of Gross Misbehaviour

• Repeated instances of Serious Misbehaviour after warning regarding future conduct
• Use of threatening language, threatening behaviour, abusive gestures or acts of aggression causing bodily harm towards staff members
• Repeated act of wilful/unprovoked violence towards other pupils, teachers, ancillary staff or visiting teachers/coaches
• Stealing from peers or staff
• Possession/supply or use of alcohol, cigarettes, illegal drugs and/or other harmful substances
• Bullying
• Wilful damage or attempted wilful damage of school property; property of teachers, ancillary staff, other pupils or special visitors
• Leaving school grounds during school hours without permission of Principal and notification from parents/guardians
• Misuse of a Mobile Phone and IT devices by taking photographs or video footage of pupils or teachers or sharing inappropriate messages
• Discriminatory or prejudicial activities or actions towards another person or group involving gender, religion, disability sexuality or ethnic origin

Sanctions

• Immediate meeting with parents/guardians, teacher and principal
• Written assurance of proper behaviour from the pupil and parents/guardians
• Contact with the Gardai if deemed relevant or if illegal activity is involved
• In a case of gross misbehaviour, where it is necessary to ensure order and discipline are maintained and to secure the safety of the pupils, staff and other members of the school community, the board may authorise the Chairperson or Principal to sanction immediate suspension for a period not exceeding three school days, pending a discussion on the matter with the parents/guardians. The length of the suspension will depend upon the severity and frequency of the specific behaviour.

Supportive Interventions will be considered where it is deemed necessary. Examples of support interventions include:

• Request for assistance from external agencies such as the National Education Psychological Service, Health Service Executive Community Services, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, National Council for Special Education
• Referral for a Child displaying behavioural problems for psychological assessment (with the parents/guardians consent)

Breaches by pupils from Junior Classes/pupils with SEN will be treated on a level more appropriate to their age/needs but the general expectation of good behaviour will apply to all pupils.

 

Suspension / Expulsion 

In a case where suspension or expulsion is being considered, Scoil Chros tSeáin will reference and comply with the following:

• procedures in relation to Suspension and Expulsion as laid out in Developing a Code of Behaviour: Guidelines for Schools, NEWB, 2008
  • Ch. 10 Suspensions and expulsions: legal and procedural requirements
  • Ch. 11 Suspension
  • Ch. 12 Expulsion
• procedures in accordance with Rule 130 of the Rules for National Schools/ Education Welfare Act 2000 (exclusion)
• procedures in accordance with the terms of Rule 130 (5) and (6) of the Department of Education’s Rules for National Schools (suspension)

 

Removal of Suspension (Reinstatement)

Following or during a period of suspension, the parents/guardians may apply to have the pupil reinstated to the school. The parents/guardians must give a satisfactory undertaking that a suspended pupil will behave in accordance with the school code and the Principal must be satisfied that the pupil’s reinstatement will not constitute a risk to the pupil’s own safety or that of the other pupils or staff. The principal will facilitate the preparation of a behaviour plan for the pupil if required and will re-admit the pupil formally to the class.

 

Appeals

Under Section 29 of the Education Act, 1998, parents/guardians (or pupils who have reached the age of 18) are entitled to appeal to the Secretary General of the DES against some decisions of the Board of Management, including (1) permanent exclusion from a school and (2) suspension for a period which would bring the cumulative period of suspension to 20 school days or longer in any one school year. Accordingly, schools should advise parents/guardians of this right of appeal and associated timeframe if it has been decided to suspend or permanently exclude a pupil. Appeals must generally be made within 42 calendar days from the date the decision of the school was notified to the parents/guardians or student. (See Appendix 4: Circular 22/02)

 

Keeping records

Teachers maintain records in relation to misbehaviour when necessary, using our school Behaviour / Incident record document, and the Principal is kept informed of all serious misbehaviour.

 

School Attendance

Under the Education Welfare Act (2000), absences must be explained  by a brief note written in the school journal ( or via email / via Aladdin) and signed by a parent / guardian. The Education Welfare Act requires schools to inform the Education Welfare Officer if a child has been absent for 20 days or more in the course of the school year.

 

Success Criteria

The success of this policy will be measured against its level of success in promoting positive behaviour in the school and in preventing and dealing with inappropriate behaviour when it occurs. Its success will be measured against the practices and procedures listed in this policy being consistently implemented by teachers and being supported by the parent body of the school. Feedback from pupils, parents/guardians and staff will also inform this decision.

 

Implementation Date 

This policy will apply from March 2023 

Ratification 

This policy was reviewed and ratified by the Board of Management of Chros tSeáin at a meeting held on 9th March 2023 . The Policy will be available on the school website. 

Signed: Miceál Murphy

(Chairperson of Board of Management)

Date:09.03.23