Nagle-Rice PS, Milltown, Killarney          Phone: 066 976 7625    |   Email: office@naglericens.com

 

Nagle-Rice PS
Milltown,
Killarney,
Co. Kerry

Phone: 066 976 7625

Email: office@naglericens.com




Code of Behaviour

Introduction

In compliance with Section 23 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, the Board of Management of Nagle- Rice School has prepared and made available a Code of Behaviour for its Pupils, Staff and Parents.

The Code of Behaviour details:

  1. The standards of behaviour that shall be observed by each pupil attending the school;
  2. The whole school approach in promoting positive behaviour;
  3. The measures that shall be taken when a pupil fails or refuses to observe those standards;
  4. The procedures to be followed before a pupil may be suspended or expelled from the school concerned;
  5. The grounds for removing a suspension imposed in relation to a pupil
  6. The school’s Anti-Bullying Policy; and
  7. The procedures to be followed in relation to a child’s absence from school.

The Code of Behaviour of Nagle-Rice School has been developed in accordance with ‘Developing a Code of Behaviour: Guidelines for Schools’, National Educational Welfare Board, 2008.

Policy Formulation

In formulating this policy the Board of Management completed the following steps;

  1. Parents and Staff were informed that an initial draft of the Code of Behaviour was available and they were invited to make submissions on the content of the code within a specified timeframe.
  2. Class teachers were requested to discuss the topic of ‘rules’ with their classes and submit a list of pupils suggestions to the Principal.
  3. The initial draft of the Code of Behaviour was reviewed and where appropriate amended in-line with the feedback received.
  4. The finalised draft of the policy was submitted for the Patron’s Approval.

Relationship to characteristic spirit of the school

Clarity Affirmation that everyone’s behaviour matters
Focus on promoting good behaviour Balancing needs
Focus on personal responsibility Recognition that relationships are crucial
Fairness and Equity Promoting Equality
Recognition of educational vulnerability Attention to the welfare of students
Attention to the welfare of staff Promotion of safety and freedom from threat

aims & objectives of the Code

The aims and objectives of the code are:

Whole School Approach

The Board of Management recognises the importance of creating consistent values, policies, practices and relationships that support the Code of Behaviour.  Such an environment may only be formed by involving the entire school community and in this respect the Board acknowledges the importance of the roles played by, the principal, teachers, ancillary staff and parents in the review and operation of the Code.

Standards of Behaviour

1.  Standards of Behaviour in School

As required by Section 23 (4) of the Education Welfare Act, prior to registering a pupil the principal teacher shall provide the parents of the child with a copy of the school’s code of behaviour and that the principal will as a condition of so registering such child, require his or her parents to confirm in writing that the code of behaviour is acceptable to them and that they shall make all reasonable efforts to ensure compliance with such code by the child.

The standards of behaviour expected in this school reflect the following values of respect for self and others, kindness and willingness to help others, courtesy and good manners, fairness, readiness to use respectful ways of resolving difficulties and conflict and forgiveness.

Pupils

General Behaviour

Each pupil is expected to:

Classroom Behaviour

Each pupil is expected to:

Playground (Playing Pitches) Behaviour

Each pupil is expected to:

  1. Each class will leave in an orderly fashion to go out to break. In the interests of safety in the Junior School, teachers will encourage pupils to walk quietly along the right hand side of the corridor.
  2. When the bell rings at the end of break the teacher on the yard will ring a bell to inform pupils that break has ended. All pupils go to their designated line on the playground.
  3. Children are not allowed to leave the play surface area of the yard without permission.  Pupils are not permitted to play on the grass during wet weather.
  4. The following areas are off limits to children during break times:
 Junior school: the field, the front of the school, school building without permission

Senior school: the field during wet weather, school building without permission.

Behaviour in other School Areas

Each pupil is expected to:

Behaviour during School Outings/Activities

Each pupil is expected to:

Staff

It is the Principal’s responsibility to ensure the school’s Code of Behaviour is administered in a manner that is consistent and fair to all pupils. However each staff member has responsibility for the maintenance of discipline within common areas of the school.

Teaching staff are specifically responsible for the management of behaviour within their own class. They will:

Parents/Guardians

Parents/guardians play a crucial role in shaping attitudes in their children which produce positive Behaviour in school. Parents/guardians can assist the school by

Should a parent/guardian be concerned about any aspect of their child’s behaviour they are welcome to make an appointment to discuss their concerns.

In cases of an identified pattern of misbehaviour parents will be invited to participate in the intervention process.

Promoting Positive Behaviour

Nagle-Rice School will endeavor to create an environment where positive behaviour is reinforced through praise and reward. School staff will use encouraging language and gestures, both in class and around the school, so that positive behaviour is instantly recognised and positively rewarded. Special attention will be paid to pupils who have previously been associated with poor behaviour so that not only good behaviour but also improvement in behaviour is acknowledged.

Strategies for managing positive behaviour

In Nagle-Rice Primary School we have adopted the following strategies for promotion of good behaviour

  1. Stars system:  Senior Infants-First
  2. Jar of marbles:  Rang 2-Rang 6:  Class rewards system
  3. Student of the Week Awards:  Criteria are made clear to the pupils.  Certificates are awarded
  4. Merit Award:  Children are awarded merits at the end of each week.  The child’s name is then entered into a raffle at the end of each term.
  5. Draw attention to the good behaviour/improved behaviour of other pupils.

We model and teach good behaviour, manners and respect, acceptable behaviour, positive social skills and speaking respectfully.

Inappropriate Behaviour

In order to establish a common understanding and consistent response the Code of Behaviour classifies misbehaviour into three levels based on the degree of disruption caused by the misconduct. The Code also specifies the disciplinary actions and supportive interventions that will be employed.

Level One

Level 1: Behaviours

Level 1 behaviours are those that interfere with the orderly learning environment of the school, classroom, and common areas. Students learn through their mistakes.  To this extent, responses to the daily behaviours, which occur in school, will be developmentally appropriate, instructive and positive. Children will be taught what is expected and how they should behave.  Listed below are some examples of the types of Behaviour that are included in Level 1.  Please note the list is not exhaustive.

Level 1: Disciplinary Actions

Consequences for Level 1 behaviour are dependent upon the severity and frequency of the specific behaviour.  Teachers will discipline students at level 1.  Some examples of Level 1 responses are:

Level 1 Supportive Interventions

Listed below are some examples of Level 1 supportive actions:

Level Two

Level 2: Behaviours

Level 2 behaviours are those that seriously interfere with the orderly environment of the school and are potentially dangerous to the safety and well being of the students and staff.  Listed below are some examples of the types of behaviour that are included in Level 2.  Please note the list is not exhaustive.

Level 2: Disciplinary Actions

The disciplining of students for Level 2 behaviour is dependent upon the severity and frequency of the specific behaviour and developmentally appropriate levels.  The disciplinary actions at Level 2 are administered by the Principal, and include the formal notification of parents, with written documentation.  Some examples of Level 2 responses are:

Level 2: Supportive Interventions

Listed below are some examples of Level 2 supportive actions:

Level Three

Level 3: Behaviours

Level 3 behaviours are considered the most serious violations.  These behaviours endanger the immediate health, safety and personal well-being of the pupils and staff of the school.  They represent a direct threat to the orderly operation of the school environment.  Situations, which include illegal activity, may result in contact with the Garda Síochána after parental involvement.  Listed below are some examples of the types of behaviour that are included in Level 3.  Please note that the list is not exhaustive.

Level 3:  Disciplinary Actions

Behaviour at Level 3 may involve suspension from school. The length of the suspension will depend upon the severity and frequency of the specific Behaviour.  Specific information about due process and procedures in respect of the issuing of a suspension is contained in this document.

Level 3 responses:

This response will occur with the first incidence of Level 3 behaviour or Level 2 behaviour of significant severity.  The Principal following due process and procedure, can issue a suspension.

This response will occur with the repeated incidence of Level 3 behaviour or a severe expression of this Behaviour.  A suspension of this magnitude will only be issued with the approval of the Board of Management.

Repeated incidents of Level 3 behaviour can result in a pupil being expelled.

Procedures for Suspensions & Expulsions

Suspension

Definition of Suspension:

‘requiring the student to absent himself/herself from the school for a specified, limited period of school days’

Developing A Code of Behaviour: Guidelines for Schools, National Educational Welfare Board

Authority to Suspend:

The Board of Management of Nagle-Rice Primary School has formally and in writing delegated the authority to impose an ‘Immediate Suspension’ to the Principal Teacher. An ‘Immediate Suspension’ may be for a period of one to three school days depending on the severity of the specific Behaviour, in exceptional circumstances and with the approval of the Chairperson of the Board the suspension may be for a longer period but in any event will not exceed 5 school days.

Furthermore, the Board of Management has formally and in writing delegated to the Principal Teacher the authority to impose an ‘Automatic Suspension’ for named behaviours detailed in this policy. An Automatic Suspension may be for a period of one to three school days depending on the severity of the specific behaviour, in exceptional circumstances and with the approval of the Chairperson of the Board the suspension may be for a longer period but in any event will not exceed 5 school days.

The Board retains its authority to suspend a student in all other cases/circumstances.

Immediate Suspension and Automatic Suspension

An ‘Immediate Suspension’ will be deemed to be necessary where after a preliminary investigation the Principal reaches the determination that the continued presence of the pupil in the school at the time would represent a serious threat to the safety and wellbeing of pupils or staff of the school. An ‘Immediate Suspension’ may be for a period of one to three school days depending on the severity of the specific Behaviour, in exceptional circumstances and with the approval of the Chairperson of the Board the suspension may be for a longer period but in any event will not exceed 5 school days.

An ‘Automatic Suspension’ is a suspension imposed for named behaviours. The Board of Management of Nagle Rice Primary School having given due consideration to its duty of care as prescribed by Health & Safety Legislation, has determined that the following named behaviours will incur ‘Automatic Suspension’ as a sanction;

An Automatic Suspension may be for a period of one to three school days depending on the severity of the specific Behaviour, in exceptional circumstances and with the approval of the Chairperson of the Board the suspension may be for a longer period but in any event will not exceed 5 school days.

Parent(s)/Guardian(s) will be informed of an Immediate or Automatic Suspension by telephone, and arrangements will be made with them for the pupil to be collected. In no circumstance will a student be sent home from school prior to his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) being notified. Formal written notification of the suspension will issue in due course, but no later than 2 school days after the imposition of the suspension. Such a notification will detail:

The Board of Management acknowledges that the decision to impose either an Immediate or Automatic Suspension does not remove the duty to follow due process and fair procedures. In this regard, and following a formal investigation, to be completed no later than 2 school days after the incident the Board will invite the pupil and his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) to a meeting to discuss;

The Board of Management of Nagle Rice NS acknowledges the fundamental importance of impartiality in the investigation process. In this regard the following undertaking is given;

i.        No person with a vested interest or personal involvement in the matter will be involved in the organisation or implementation of the investigation procedure.

Procedures in Respect of Other Suspensions:

In cases other than those of Immediate or Automatic Suspension the following procedures will apply;

Where a preliminary assessment of the fact confirms serious misbehaviour that could warrant suspension, the Board of Management of Nagle Rice will initiate a formal investigation of the matter.

The following procedures will be observed;

A written letter containing the following information will issue to Parent(s)/guardian(s);

i.        details of the alleged misbehaviour, details of the impending investigation process, and notification that the allegation could result in suspension.

ii.        An invitation to a meeting, to be scheduled no later than 5 school days from the date of the letter, where parent(s)/guardian(s) are provided with an opportunity to respond before a decision is made or a sanction imposed.

The Board of Management of Nagle-Rice Primary School  acknowledges the fundamental importance of impartiality in the investigation and decision-making process. In this regard the following undertakings are given;

ii.        No person with a vested interest or personal involvement in the matter will be involved in the organisation or implementation of the investigation procedure, nor will such a person be involved in the decision-making process.

iii.        The person(s) involved in the investigation process will on presentation of a full report of the facts absent himself/herself/themselves from the decision-making process.

Where a decision to suspend has been made the Chairperson of the Board of Management will provide written notification to the parent(s)/guardian(s) and the pupil of the decision. The letter will confirm:

Where a suspension brings the total number of days for which the pupil has been suspended in the current school year to twenty days the parent(s)/guardian(s) will be informed of their right to appeal to the Secretary General of the Department of Education and Science under Section 29 or the Education Act 1998 and will be provide with information on the submission of such an appeal.

Expulsion

Definition of Expulsion:

‘A student is expelled from a school when a Board of Management makes a decision to permanently exclude him or her from the school, having complied with the provisions of section 24 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000.’

Developing A Code of Behaviour: Guidelines for Schools, National Educational Welfare Board

Authority to Suspend:

The authority to expel a pupil is reserved by the Board of Management.

Procedures in Respect of Expulsion:

Where a preliminary assessment of the facts confirms serious misbehaviour that could warrant expulsion the following procedures will apply:

a)    A detailed investigation will be carried out under the direction of the Principal (or a Nominee of the Board if required)

As part of the investigation a written letter containing the following information will issue to parent(s)/guardian(s);

iii.        details of the alleged misbehaviour, details of the impending investigation process, and notification that the allegation could result in expulsion.

iv.        An invitation to a meeting, to be scheduled no later than 5 school days from the date of the letter, where parent(s)/guardian(s) are provided with an opportunity to respond

b)    The Principal (or BOM Nominee) will make a recommendation to the Board of Management

Where the Principal (or nominee) forms a view, based on the investigation of the alleged misbehaviour, that expulsion may be warranted, the Principal (or nominee) makes a recommendation to the Board of Management to consider expulsion.

In this event the Principal (or nominee) will:

i.        inform the parent(s)/guardian(s) that the Board of Management is being asked to consider expulsion

ii.        ensure that parent(s)/guardians have records of: the allegations against the student; the investigation; and written notice of the grounds on which the Board of Management is being asked to consider expulsion

iii.        provide the Board of Management with the same comprehensive records as are given to parent(s)/guardian(s)

c)    Consideration by the Board of Management of the Principal’s (or BOM’s Nominee)  Recommendations & the Holding of a Hearing

If, having considered the Principal’s report, the Board of Management decides to consider expelling a student a hearing will be scheduled.

The parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified in writing

i.        as to the date, location and time of the hearing

ii.        of their right to make a written and oral submission to the Board of Management

iii.        that they may if they so choose be accompanied at the hearing

The Board of Management undertakes that the timing of such written notification will ensure that parent(s)/guardian(s) have enough notice to allow them to prepare for the hearing.

In respect of the expulsion hearing the Board gives an undertaking that;

i.        the meeting will be properly conducted in accordance with Board procedures

ii.        the principal (or BoM nominee) and parent(s)/guardian(s) will present their case to the Board in each other’s presence

iii.        each party will be given the opportunity to directly question the evidence of the other party

iv.        the parent(s)/guardian(s) may make a case for a lesser sanction if they so choose

d)    Board of Management Deliberations & Actions following the Hearing

Where the Board of Management, having considered all the facts of the case, is of the opinion that the pupil should be expelled the Board

i.        Will notify the Educational Welfare Officer in writing by registered post of its opinion, and the reasons for this opinion.

ii.        Will not expel the student before the passage of 20 school days from the date on which the Educational Welfare Officer receives this written notification

iii.        Will in writing notify the parent(s)/guardian(s) of their decision and inform them that the Educational Welfare Officer is being contacted

iv.        Will be represented at the consultation to be organized by the Educational Welfare Officer

v.        Will suspend the student, if it is deemed likely that the continued presence of the student during this time will seriously disrupt the learning of others, or represent a threat to the safety of other pupils or staff.

e)    Confirmation of the Decision to Expel

Where the twenty-day period following notification to the Educational Welfare Officer has elapsed, and where the Board of Management remains of the view that the student should be expelled, the Board of Management will formally confirm the decision to expel.

Parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified in writing that the expulsion will now proceed. They will also be informed of their right to appeal to the Secretary General of the Department of Education and Science under Section 29 or the Education Act 1998 and will be provide with information on the submission of such an appeal.

The Board of Management of Nagle Rice PS acknowledges the fundamental importance of impartiality in the investigation and decision-making process. In this regard the following undertakings are given;

i.        No person with a vested interest or personal involvement in the matter will be involved in the organisation or implementation of the investigation procedure, nor will such a person be involved in the decision-making process.

ii.        The person(s) involved in the investigation process will on presentation of a full report of the facts absent himself/herself/themselves from the decision-making process.

Anti-Bullying Policy

Introduction:

The aim of Nagle Rice PS Anti-Bullying policy is

Statement on Bullying:

Definition:

Bullying consists of repeated inappropriate behaviour whether by word, by physical action or otherwise, directly or indirectly applied, by one or more persons against another person or persons which undermines the individual person’s right to personal dignity.

Types of behaviour deemed to be inappropriate:

Indications of Bullying:

The following signs/symptoms may suggest that a pupil is being bullied:-

Those signs do not necessarily mean that a pupil is being bullied. If repeated or occurring in combination these signs do warrant investigation in order to establish what is affecting the pupil

Strategies for Prevention of Bullying

Maintaining awareness of bullying as a form of unacceptable behaviour

Nagle-Rice PS will emphasise and reinforce the view that bullying behaviour is unacceptable by

Supervision

Insofar as is reasonably practicable school activities will be supervised and monitored at all times, with particular emphasis on those occasions when situations of bullying are more likely to occur, such as assembly time, play time and dismissal time.

Disclosure:

Children will be encouraged to disclose and discuss incidents of bullying behaviour.  They will be helped to differentiate between incidents of a minor nature and those that constitute bullying. They will also be taught the difference between ‘telling tales’ and asking for help.

Procedures for Dealing with Instances of Bullying:

I.     All incidents of bullying will be recorded in an incident book which will be retained in the school.

II.     Pupils will be informed that when they report incidents of bullying they are acting responsibly.

III.     A calm unemotional problem solving approach will be used to deal with bullying.

IV.   Incidents of bullying will initially be dealt with by the class teacher.  Incidents that are of a serious nature, or those that involve pupils from a number of classes will be referred to the Principal.

V.     On being informed of an alleged incident of bullying, the teacher dealing with the report will first interview the victim(s) and discuss the feelings which the victim(s) experienced because of the bullying behaviour.

VI.     An interview will then take place with the alleged perpetrator(s). If the bullying involves a group of pupils members of that group will first be met individually and then as a whole. Having discussed the negative impact which bullying has on both perpetrator(s) and victim(s) responsibility will be placed on all individuals within the group to resolve the difficulty and to take appropriate steps to ensure that it does not happen again.

  1. If on the conclusion of the preliminary investigation the teacher is convinced that bullying has occurred the Principal will be informed and parent(s)/guardian(s) of all concerned will be contacted.
  2. Depending on the seriousness of the bullying some or all of Level 2 Supportive Interventions will be utilised.
  3. Repeated incidents of bullying behaviour will result in the imposition of sanctions. Such sanctions will be proportionate to the seriousness of the bullying Behaviour.

Notification of a Child’s Absence from School

Parent(s)/guardian(s) should adhere to the following procedures when notifying the school of a pupil’s absence;

The school will inform the Education Welfare Officer in writing where a child is suspended or expelled for 6 days or more, where the child has missed 20 or more days in a school year, where attendance is irregular and when the pupil is removed from the school register

Records

An incident book will be used to record an individual pupil’s behaviour. Such records will contain;

Pupils will be told when a record is being made about their behaviour, and the reasons for keeping a record will be explained.

All records will be kept in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1988 and the Data Protection (Amendment) Act 2003.

Policy Ratification

The policy was ratified by the Board of Management of Nagle-Rice PS at its meeting held on

Date__27-09-2011___.

 

Signed: _____________________________________ Chairperson, Board of Management

Patron’s Approval

This policy has been approved by St. Senan’s Education Office, acting on behalf of the Patron [ Bishop  Bill Murphy].