Our Behaviour Principles

Rationale and Purpose

•    A written statement of behaviour principles, written by Governors, is required by all maintained schools. This statement was written and approved by the Governing Body. It will be reviewed annually, in line with the Department for Education guidance, and in line with the school’s Behaviour Policy.

•    This statement has been drawn up in accordance with the Education and Inspections Act, 2006, and DfE guidance Behaviour and Discipline in Schools, January 2016.

•    The purpose of this statement is to provide guidance for the Headteacher in drawing up the school’s Behaviour Policy so that it reflects the shared aspirations and beliefs of Governors, staff and parents for the pupils in the school as well as taking full account of law and guidance on behaviour matters. It is intended to help all school staff to be aware of and understand the extent of their powers in respect of discipline and sanctions and how to use them. Staff should be confident that they have the governors’ support when following this guidance.

•    The school’s Behaviour Policy is publicised to staff and families on the school website.

Our 14 Behaviour Principles

These principles guide our Behaviour Policy and procedures at Asquith Primary School.

1.   All children, staff and visitors have the right to feel safe, valued and respected at all times at school.

2.   All pupils, staff and visitors are free from any form of discrimination and policies reflect the duties of the Equality Act 2010.

3.   Our fundamental approach is a positive one: drawing attention to, and rewarding good behaviour and mutual respect.

4.   All pupils are expected to display B.E.S.T behaviour at all times: B – Be Kind, E – Everyone learning, S – Stay Safe, T – Try your best.

5.   Staff and volunteers are expected to set an excellent example to pupils at all times.

6.   Our Behaviour Policy is rooted in our F.E.R.D.I values: F – Friendship, E- Equality, R – Respect, D – Determination, I - Inspiration.

7.   Pupils are helped to take responsibility for and reflect on their actions and choices.

8.   We believe children should be given opportunities and openly encouraged to support each other in the process of positive reinforcement and personal growth, learning and recognising good behaviour.  

9.   Families are involved with behaviour incidents to foster good relationships between the school and pupils’ home life, and we expect pupils and parents to cooperate to maintain an orderly climate for learning.

10. Rewards and sanctions are used consistently by staff, in line with our Behaviour Policy.

11. The decision to use physical intervention and/or reasonable force will be based on individual circumstances and the professional judgement of staff.  The Behaviour Policy makes reference to this and is shared with pupils, parents and staff.

12. By effectively preventing and tackling bullying, we can help to create a safe, disciplined environment where pupils are able to learn and fulfil their potential.

13. The Behaviour Policy explains that suspensions and exclusions will only be used as a very last resort, and outlines the processes involved in these sanctions.

14. The Governors wish to emphasise that violence, threatening behaviour or abuse by pupils or parents towards the school’s staff will not be tolerated in any circumstances. If a parent does not conduct themselves properly, the school may ban them from the school premises, and if the parent continues to cause disturbance, they may be liable to prosecution.

Reviewed by the Governing Body on 6^th February, 2024