Code of Behaviour
Cloughduv National School
October 2020
This is a new Policy since October 2020.
Section1: Introduction
The education process is a team process involving the school, the church, the home and the children where the success of the school depends on a high level of co-operation among the team members and the creation of a positive ethos which permeates all the activities of the school, and where all efforts are made to match the curriculum to the abilities, aptitudes and interests of the children.
Section 2: General School Policies and Procedures
2.1 Attendance
1. School commences at 9:20am and concludes at 2:00pm for infants and 3:00pm for all other students.
2. Parents should be reluctant to allow their children to miss school, unless they feel unwell.
3. Children should be punctual.
4. Lunch breaks take place from 11:00am to 11:10am and from 1:00pm to 1:30pm.
5. The school does not accept responsibility for children arriving before official opening time or remaining in the school or school grounds after school. The gate is opened at 9:05am and children are supervised in yard until 9:15am. The bell rings at 9:15am and all children are collected in the yard by their class teacher.
6. Pupils who need to leave the school for any reason during the school day must be collected by a parent or guardian.
7. When a pupil has been absent, a note should be brought to the class teacher upon his / her return. Alternatively, an email of explanation may be sent to the class teacher or phonecall can be made to school secretary.
8. In the event of a child being sent home unexpectedly, e.g. due to illness, arrangements should be in place for somebody to look after him / her should parents/guardians be unavailable (childminder / grandparent etc.) Details re alternative minding arrangements should be supplied on the profile form provided to the school at the start of the school year.
2.2 Medical
The principal and the class teacher should be informed if your child has a medical or psychological complaint, disability, allergy or any other problem which might affect him / her at school.
2.3 Hygiene
1. Pupils should be neat and clean.
2. Special attention should be paid to the cleanliness of hair. The school should be informed should you have found it necessary to treat your child’s hair.
3. Pupils with long hair should keep it tied back during the school day.
4. The school environment should be kept clean and tidy.
2.4 Health Education
1. To cultivate good eating habits, children are encouraged to bring a healthy, nutritious lunch to school. Our school is a Health Promoting School (HSE)
2. Parents should realise the importance of a good night’s sleep if the child is to be alert at school.
2.5 Homework
Refer to homework policy.
2.6 Safety
The school endeavours to provide an environment which is physically safe. Children should behave in a way which does not endanger themselves or others. Refer to Safety Statement
2.7 Internet Use
The school promotes supervised, positive use of the internet. See Policy on Internet Acceptable Use
2.8 Communication between Home & School
Communication between the home and the school may be in the following ways:
Parents can cooperate with the school by familiarising their children with the school rules, by encouraging them to abide by the rules, by visiting the school when requested to do so and by ensuring that home work is allocated due time and effort by the child. They should take full advantage of all formal and informal channels of communication made available to them.
Section 3: Aim of the Code of Behaviour and Discipline
The aim of the code of behaviour and discipline is the creation of a positive learning environment where the individuality of each child is accommodated, while acknowledging the right of each child to education in a disruption-free environment.
So that the aim may be achieved, it is necessary that school should be a well-ordered and disciplined place, providing an environment where the child is physically safe and happy.
In the context of the classroom, the code offers a framework within which positive techniques of motivation, reward and encouragement are utilised. Many forms of positive reinforcement are used – praise, encouragement, prizes, exemption from homework, given extra responsibilities, stars, comments on written work, treats etc.
The use of positive expectations, where teachers insist, firmly but fairly, on honest effort and commitment from pupils and on high standards of behaviour, are also central to the code.
The code should help the child as he / she grows older, to move away from an externally imposed discipline to become self disciplined.
The Code of Behaviour and Discipline covers the following areas:
Overall responsibility for discipline within the school rests with the principal. Each teacher has responsibility for the maintenance of discipline within his / her classroom while sharing a common responsibility for good order within the school. A pupil will be referred to the principal for serious breaches of discipline and for repeated incidents of minor misbehaviour.
3.2 Positive Behaviour in Class
All pupils are expected to:
Section 4: Sanctions
Sanctions are necessary to register disapproval of unacceptable behaviour. They take account of the nature and incidence of indiscipline and, as far as possible, are relevant or related to misbehaviour.
In imposing sanctions, it is the behaviour which is unacceptable and not the individual.
A whole class is not punished because of the behaviour of one child or of a small group, save in exceptional circumstances. Sanctions are listed in accordance with the following section
Section 5: Classification of Misbehaviours
Misbehaviour falls into one of three categories – minor, serious or gross. See Appendix 3.
Teachers and/or the Principal will make judgements based on a common sense approach having regard to the age, needs and vulnerability of the child and the gravity and frequency of any misbehaviour as follows:
Interrupting classwork/ Littering around the school/ Being discourteous or unmannerly/ Not completing work without a good reason (to include a note from a parent)/ inappropriate behaviour, gestures or language/ Name Calling/ Minor Infringement of the school rules/ Talking out of turn/ Not wearing appropriate uniform (this list is not exhaustive)
Dealing with Misbehaviour
Stage 1
The nature of the behaviour and the age of the child will determine the nature of the strategies employed. The following measures will be used to support the child who has engaged in inappropriate behaviour:
All everyday instances of a minor nature are dealt with by the class teacher or the supervising teacher.Parents will be contacted at an early stage if deemed necessary so that they can support their child in bringing about a change of behaviour.
In cases of misbehaviour done by a pupil towards another pupil in the school during school time, we do not recommend that parents contact each other. It is advised that the parents make contact with the school directly and let the school follow procedure.
Stage 2
For repeated incidents of minor misbehaviour or for incidents of a more serious nature, the class teacher or Principal will record cases of repeated minor misbehaviour and incidents of a more serious nature in the school’s ‘Incident Report Form’(See Appendix 1) and the incidents will be dealt with as follows:
What if a child doesn’t succeed in changing his/her behaviour?
Where a child doesn’t succeed in changing his/her behaviour, having had supportive interventions from the class teacher and staff and parents, an assessment may be required from an outside agency e.g. School Psychological Service, School Psychiatric Service, and Occupational Therapy service, as there may be a reason for the child’s inability to behave appropriately. If a parent refuses to accept the support of an external agency, a meeting will be organised with the Principal and Chairperson of the BOM, where both parents will be expected to attend.
Constantly disruptive in class/ Telling lies/ Blackmail/ Stealing/ Persistently not working to full potential/ insulting comments to another individual (race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity etc) / Damaging others’ property/ Bullying/ Continuously not completing work/ Endangering self/fellow pupils in the class or on yard/ using unacceptable language/ inappropriate use of the internet/ deliberate, continuous disobedience/ spitting (this list is not exhaustive)
Teachers will take measures as outlined in Minor Misbehaviour above, but may proceed to the following additional steps when dealing with Serious Misbehaviour;
Regular occurrences of Serious Misbehaviour will be dealt with as follows:
Bringing weapons or dangerous substances to school / Smoking / Persistently engaging in activities which have been identified by members of staff as dangerous or inappropriate / Leaving school premises without permission / Deliberately injuring any member of the school community / Setting fire to school property / Purposely activating school fire alarm/ Deliberately leaving taps (fire hose) etc. turned on / Aggressive, threatening or violent behaviour towards a member of staff or a pupil; (e.g. physical violence, striking, nipping, biting, spitting) / Vandalism / serious inappropriate behaviour / assault
Persistent incidents of serious misbehaviour will be classified as gross misbehaviour.
Teachers will take the following steps when dealing with Gross Misbehaviour
Section 6: Suspension / Expulsion from school
Where there are repeated instances of serious misbehaviour, the Chairperson of the Board of Management will be informed and the parents will be requested to attend at the school to meet the Chairperson and the Principal. If the parents do not give an undertaking that the pupil will behave in an acceptable manner in the future, the pupil may have to be suspended for a temporary period. The maximum initial period of such exclusion shall be three days. A special decision of the Board of Management is necessary to authorise a further period of exclusion up to a maximum of ten school days to allow for consultation with the pupil’s parents. In exceptional circumstances, the Board of Management may authorise a further period of exclusion in order to enable the matter to be reviewed. The ultimate sanction of expulsion may be considered in an extreme case and shall only be exercised with the prior consent of the patron.
Relevant documentation:
(Reference Chapter 11 and 12 of Developing a Code of Behaviour for Schools, National Educational Welfare Board, 2008)
Exclusion (Suspension or Expulsion) from school in accordance with Rule 130 of the Rules for National Schools/Education Welfare Act 2000.
Suspension will be in accordance with the terms of Rule 130(5) of the Department of Education’s Rules for National Schools.
Rule 130(5): Where the Board of Management deems it necessary to make provision in the Code of Discipline to deal with continuously disruptive pupils or with a serious breach of discipline, by authorising the Chairperson or Principal to exclude a pupil or pupils from school, the maximum initial period of such exclusion shall be three school-days. A special decision of the Board of Management is necessary to authorise a further period of exclusion up to a maximum of 10 school-days to allow for consultation with the pupil or pupil’s parents or guardians. In exceptional circumstances, the Board of Management may authorise a further period of exclusion in order to enable the matter to be reviewed.
Expulsion may be considered in an extreme case, in accordance with Rule 130 (6) of the Rules for National Schools.
Rule 130 (6): No pupil shall be struck off the rolls for breach of discipline without the prior consent of the Patron and unless alternative arrangements are made for the enrolment of the pupil at another suitable school.
Removal of Suspension (Reinstatement) Following or during a period of suspension, the parent/s may apply to have the pupil reinstated to the school. The parent(s) 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.
Expulsion
The Board of Management has the authority to expel a student in an extreme case (see p.81, Developing a Code of Behaviour; Guidelines for Schools) or where repeated incidents of gross misbehaviour interfere with the educational opportunities of fellow students or where there is a threat to the health and safety of either students or staff. This sanction would be imposed under the terms of the Education Welfare Act (2000). Suspension/expulsion procedures are in accordance with the Education Act (1998).
Section 7 Conclusion
This policy has been drawn up to ensure the smooth running of the school and for the safety and protection of the children. This policy will be reviewed as necessary.
A simple summary of this policy is mentioned in the homework journal & should be explained to the pupil.
This policy was adopted by the Board of Management in November 2020
Addendum to the Code of Behaviour for Covid Reasons-August 2020
(added to previous Code of Conduct)
Behaviour Principles
In light of the need for the school community to behave differently and to follow specific rules on the return to school during the Covid-19 pandemic, this addendum to the Code of Behaviour outlines specific changes to guidance that pupils, staff and parents will have to follow. Our guiding principle when making any changes or adjustments to policy is to be able to keep all of our children, families and staff safe and place their wellbeing at the forefront of everything we do.
These amendments will need to be communicated to pupils, parents, staff and all members of the school community.
Pupil Code of Conduct
Pupils are expected to:
• Arrive to and depart from school premises at the agreed time. (Adults should maintain a two-metre distance to other families when dropping off or collecting their children).
• Wash hands and use hand sanitiser when directed by staff and when necessary.
• Remain in their designated seating as directed by their class teacher.
• Keep a safe distance from other pupils and members of staff and refrain from physical contact with their peers.
• Follow the recommended respiratory etiquette: cover any cough or sneeze with a tissue or cough into elbow; if a tissue is used, throw it in the bin. Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and avoid touching the mouth, nose and eyes with hands.
• Adhere to rules in relation to toilet visits and breaks in the yard.
• Tell a member of staff if they are unwell and are exhibiting symptoms of Coronavirus.
Levels of unsafe behaviour (including pupils who are deliberately not following instructions for social distancing)
Level 1- ignoring guidance and reminders regarding the Covid 19 guidelines
Level 2 - lack of respect for Covid-19 guidelines and all behaviours in breach of the school’s Code of Behaviour will be deemed as serious offences as the health and safety of the whole school community is at risk
Level 3 - Continuous lack of respect and disregard for Covid 19 guidelines or a very serious breach of the Code of Behaviour in relation to Covid 19 may be deemed a level 3 behaviour. Unfortunately, in order to minimise risk of Covid 19 spread, a pupil displaying continuous disregard of the Covid 19 guidelines may be at a level 3 behaviour quickly for the sake of the health of the school community.
Sanctions are in relation to the level of unsafe behaviour and appropriate sanctions will be given at each level in accordance with the existing Code of Behaviour.
Cloughduv N.S. acknowledges that children will have had a range of different experiences during the lockdown period which may have an impact on their behaviour presentation upon return to school. For many, the process of re-engagement with learning and the school community, under unusual circumstances, may require some additional support and intervention.Our staff is committed to supporting all the children. We ask that you read through the child friendly version of these rules below:
Pupils’ Code of Behaviour
School has changed since you were last here and we have some new rules and responsibilities for you. You need to follow all of them to keep you and those around you safe.
Things we need to do in school
1. When you come in the gate in the morning, play in your own class area & line up in your area at the marked spot when the bell rings.
2. Follow your special route in your own door, sanitise your hands as you enter your classroom.
3. Sit at your own desk. You will stay at the same desk and all your books and equipment will be in your own named box. Please don’t share your stationery with other children.
4. You will be washing and sanitising your hands more frequently.
5. Ask your teacher if you need to use the toilet. You will go one at a time and wash your hands very carefully. Sanitise after returning from using the bathroom.
6. If you sneeze it is very important to use a tissue and throw it in the bin. If you cough use a tissue or cough into your elbow.
7. You will stay in your seats. If you have a question, you put up your hand and your teacher will help you.
8. You will go outside for break time and lunch time and stay in the yard area that has been assigned to your class. You must not go into the other play area
9. Follow your teachers’ directions at home time and exit by the same route you entered the schoo
Parental Responsibilities:
● Keep pupils who are unwell at home, informing the school by email/phone of the type of illness being experienced, until a full recovery is made
● Follow altered procedure for arrival and departure
● Support the school by reinforcing guidance around hand hygiene, personal distancing, and respiratory etiquette
● Remain outside the school building at all times
● To use email/phone as the main medium to contact school/ staff if they wish to communicate.
Additional Staff Responsibilities:
● Practise social distancing and ensure the pupils remain in their class bubble and pods.
● Practise, and ensure pupils practise, hand hygiene at appropriate times eg, on arrival, before eating/when entering classroom/after toileting/after using shared equipment etc.
● Keep work areas clean & tidy
This addendum was ratified by the chairperson of the BOM in August 2020
The education process is a team process involving the school, the church, the home and the children where the success of the school depends on a high level of co-operation among the team members and the creation of a positive ethos which permeates all the activities of the school, and where all efforts are made to match the curriculum to the abilities, aptitudes and interests of the children.
Section 2: General School Policies and Procedures
2.1 Attendance
1. School commences at 9:20am and concludes at 2:00pm for infants and 3:00pm for all other students.
2. Parents should be reluctant to allow their children to miss school, unless they feel unwell.
3. Children should be punctual.
4. Lunch breaks take place from 11:00am to 11:10am and from 1:00pm to 1:30pm.
5. The school does not accept responsibility for children arriving before official opening time or remaining in the school or school grounds after school. The gate is opened at 9:05am and children are supervised in yard until 9:15am. The bell rings at 9:15am and all children are collected in the yard by their class teacher.
6. Pupils who need to leave the school for any reason during the school day must be collected by a parent or guardian.
7. When a pupil has been absent, a note should be brought to the class teacher upon his / her return. Alternatively, an email of explanation may be sent to the class teacher or phonecall can be made to school secretary.
8. In the event of a child being sent home unexpectedly, e.g. due to illness, arrangements should be in place for somebody to look after him / her should parents/guardians be unavailable (childminder / grandparent etc.) Details re alternative minding arrangements should be supplied on the profile form provided to the school at the start of the school year.
2.2 Medical
The principal and the class teacher should be informed if your child has a medical or psychological complaint, disability, allergy or any other problem which might affect him / her at school.
2.3 Hygiene
1. Pupils should be neat and clean.
2. Special attention should be paid to the cleanliness of hair. The school should be informed should you have found it necessary to treat your child’s hair.
3. Pupils with long hair should keep it tied back during the school day.
4. The school environment should be kept clean and tidy.
2.4 Health Education
1. To cultivate good eating habits, children are encouraged to bring a healthy, nutritious lunch to school. Our school is a Health Promoting School (HSE)
2. Parents should realise the importance of a good night’s sleep if the child is to be alert at school.
2.5 Homework
Refer to homework policy.
2.6 Safety
The school endeavours to provide an environment which is physically safe. Children should behave in a way which does not endanger themselves or others. Refer to Safety Statement
2.7 Internet Use
The school promotes supervised, positive use of the internet. See Policy on Internet Acceptable Use
2.8 Communication between Home & School
Communication between the home and the school may be in the following ways:
- A note in the child’s home work journal
- A phonecall
- A letter or email to the parents / teacher
- Personal contact at the school gates
- Parent / Teacher meeting
- The principal may contact the parents
- The parents may contact the principal
Parents can cooperate with the school by familiarising their children with the school rules, by encouraging them to abide by the rules, by visiting the school when requested to do so and by ensuring that home work is allocated due time and effort by the child. They should take full advantage of all formal and informal channels of communication made available to them.
Section 3: Aim of the Code of Behaviour and Discipline
The aim of the code of behaviour and discipline is the creation of a positive learning environment where the individuality of each child is accommodated, while acknowledging the right of each child to education in a disruption-free environment.
So that the aim may be achieved, it is necessary that school should be a well-ordered and disciplined place, providing an environment where the child is physically safe and happy.
In the context of the classroom, the code offers a framework within which positive techniques of motivation, reward and encouragement are utilised. Many forms of positive reinforcement are used – praise, encouragement, prizes, exemption from homework, given extra responsibilities, stars, comments on written work, treats etc.
The use of positive expectations, where teachers insist, firmly but fairly, on honest effort and commitment from pupils and on high standards of behaviour, are also central to the code.
The code should help the child as he / she grows older, to move away from an externally imposed discipline to become self disciplined.
The Code of Behaviour and Discipline covers the following areas:
- Behaviour in class
- Behaviour in the playground
- Behaviour in the school environment
Overall responsibility for discipline within the school rests with the principal. Each teacher has responsibility for the maintenance of discipline within his / her classroom while sharing a common responsibility for good order within the school. A pupil will be referred to the principal for serious breaches of discipline and for repeated incidents of minor misbehaviour.
3.2 Positive Behaviour in Class
- Courtesy, respect, consideration and honesty are the basis for classroom behaviour.
- Pupils should respect the rights of others to learn in a secure, safe environment.
- Pupils should co-operate by –
- working quietly
- listening to and respecting their teacher and each other.
- Pupils should make every effort to complete assigned homework. Written homework should be in a neat and presentable form.
- Pupils should bring to school each day the books, copies, pens etc. necessary to do their work properly.
- Pupils should bring to school on specified days P.E. gear, musical instruments, craft materials necessary to participate in these activities.
- Pupils are expected to keep their classroom clean and tidy.
- Each class will formulate its own set rules, taking into consideration the age, moral development and maturity of the group.
- Pupils should recognise the rights of all children in the playground
- Pupils should not behave in a way which endangers themselves or others
- Pupils should not interfere with other children at play
- Pupils should remain within the playground boundaries during breaks and should only enter the school building having received permission from the teacher on duty
- Pupils are expected to line up quickly when the bell rings
- Pupils should cooperate with the instructions given by the teacher or SNA on duty
- Pupils are expected to keep the playground litter free
- For reasons of safety and to minimise disruption, pupils should move around the school in an orderly manner
- Pupils should show respect for school property at all times
- Pupils should show respect and consideration for others using the school
All pupils are expected to:
- Behave in a responsible manner towards themselves and others, showing consideration, courtesy and respect for other pupils and adults at all times.
- Show respect for the property of the individual and of the school at all times.
- Behave in a way which will uphold the good name of the school at all times.
Section 4: Sanctions
Sanctions are necessary to register disapproval of unacceptable behaviour. They take account of the nature and incidence of indiscipline and, as far as possible, are relevant or related to misbehaviour.
In imposing sanctions, it is the behaviour which is unacceptable and not the individual.
A whole class is not punished because of the behaviour of one child or of a small group, save in exceptional circumstances. Sanctions are listed in accordance with the following section
Section 5: Classification of Misbehaviours
Misbehaviour falls into one of three categories – minor, serious or gross. See Appendix 3.
Teachers and/or the Principal will make judgements based on a common sense approach having regard to the age, needs and vulnerability of the child and the gravity and frequency of any misbehaviour as follows:
- Minor Misbehaviour
Interrupting classwork/ Littering around the school/ Being discourteous or unmannerly/ Not completing work without a good reason (to include a note from a parent)/ inappropriate behaviour, gestures or language/ Name Calling/ Minor Infringement of the school rules/ Talking out of turn/ Not wearing appropriate uniform (this list is not exhaustive)
Dealing with Misbehaviour
Stage 1
The nature of the behaviour and the age of the child will determine the nature of the strategies employed. The following measures will be used to support the child who has engaged in inappropriate behaviour:
- Following Restorative Practice – discuss with all parties what happened? How did you feel when it happened? Who was hurt? How are they feeling? How do you feel now? What could you do differently next time?
- A verbal reprimand (focusing on what she/he can do differently next time)
- Prescribing of additional work/completing unfinished work
- Time Out during yard time
- Temporary removal from group (within class)
- Withdrawal from Fun Activities
All everyday instances of a minor nature are dealt with by the class teacher or the supervising teacher.Parents will be contacted at an early stage if deemed necessary so that they can support their child in bringing about a change of behaviour.
In cases of misbehaviour done by a pupil towards another pupil in the school during school time, we do not recommend that parents contact each other. It is advised that the parents make contact with the school directly and let the school follow procedure.
Stage 2
For repeated incidents of minor misbehaviour or for incidents of a more serious nature, the class teacher or Principal will record cases of repeated minor misbehaviour and incidents of a more serious nature in the school’s ‘Incident Report Form’(See Appendix 1) and the incidents will be dealt with as follows:
- Temporary withdrawal from class
- Communication with parents/guardians
- Withdrawal of privileges
- Possible meeting arranged with parents/guardians where a plan of action is put in place
What if a child doesn’t succeed in changing his/her behaviour?
Where a child doesn’t succeed in changing his/her behaviour, having had supportive interventions from the class teacher and staff and parents, an assessment may be required from an outside agency e.g. School Psychological Service, School Psychiatric Service, and Occupational Therapy service, as there may be a reason for the child’s inability to behave appropriately. If a parent refuses to accept the support of an external agency, a meeting will be organised with the Principal and Chairperson of the BOM, where both parents will be expected to attend.
- Serious Misbehaviour
Constantly disruptive in class/ Telling lies/ Blackmail/ Stealing/ Persistently not working to full potential/ insulting comments to another individual (race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity etc) / Damaging others’ property/ Bullying/ Continuously not completing work/ Endangering self/fellow pupils in the class or on yard/ using unacceptable language/ inappropriate use of the internet/ deliberate, continuous disobedience/ spitting (this list is not exhaustive)
Teachers will take measures as outlined in Minor Misbehaviour above, but may proceed to the following additional steps when dealing with Serious Misbehaviour;
- Child will be sent to the Principal
- An account of all incidents will be entered in the relevant Incident Log Form
- Child is given a Reflective Behaviour Sheet to complete (see appendix 2)
- Formal communication from school/ Principal informing parent of misbehaviour
- Class teacher and Principal may arrange to meet with one/both parents where a behaviour plan is put in place
- Chairperson of Board of Management may be informed
- Possible meeting between parents, Chairperson, class teacher and the Principal
Regular occurrences of Serious Misbehaviour will be dealt with as follows:
- Parents will be invited to meet class teacher, the principal and/or the chairperson to discuss repeated serious incidents of misbehaviour
- Suspension will be used as a sanction where all attempts at restorative practice with the pupil have failed or when consultation with the parents or guardians of the pupil have failed to achieve a satisfactory conclusion. Communications to parents regarding the suspension of a pupil, or the possibility of considering suspension as a sanction, will be documented & copies of all correspondence will be retained. See section 6 for suspension.
- Gross Misbehaviour
Bringing weapons or dangerous substances to school / Smoking / Persistently engaging in activities which have been identified by members of staff as dangerous or inappropriate / Leaving school premises without permission / Deliberately injuring any member of the school community / Setting fire to school property / Purposely activating school fire alarm/ Deliberately leaving taps (fire hose) etc. turned on / Aggressive, threatening or violent behaviour towards a member of staff or a pupil; (e.g. physical violence, striking, nipping, biting, spitting) / Vandalism / serious inappropriate behaviour / assault
Persistent incidents of serious misbehaviour will be classified as gross misbehaviour.
Teachers will take the following steps when dealing with Gross Misbehaviour
- Principal and Chairperson are informed immediately and suspension sanctioned if deemed necessary. The Board of Management has deferred responsibility to the Principal to impose an initial sanction of up to three days. Further suspensions will require Board of Management approval. This approval may be obtained at a regular meeting of the Board or at an emergency meeting at which the Chairperson and Principal have outlined for the Board the reasons why they feel it is necessary to impose a further suspension. In line with the requirements of the Education Welfare Act (2000), the Board of Management will inform the Education Welfare Board/TUSLA when any pupil’s period of suspension equals or exceeds six school days.
- When a student is suspended, the parents/guardians will be requested to remove the student from the school. The Principal will meet with the parents/guardian to outline the decision to implement the suspension
Section 6: Suspension / Expulsion from school
Where there are repeated instances of serious misbehaviour, the Chairperson of the Board of Management will be informed and the parents will be requested to attend at the school to meet the Chairperson and the Principal. If the parents do not give an undertaking that the pupil will behave in an acceptable manner in the future, the pupil may have to be suspended for a temporary period. The maximum initial period of such exclusion shall be three days. A special decision of the Board of Management is necessary to authorise a further period of exclusion up to a maximum of ten school days to allow for consultation with the pupil’s parents. In exceptional circumstances, the Board of Management may authorise a further period of exclusion in order to enable the matter to be reviewed. The ultimate sanction of expulsion may be considered in an extreme case and shall only be exercised with the prior consent of the patron.
Relevant documentation:
(Reference Chapter 11 and 12 of Developing a Code of Behaviour for Schools, National Educational Welfare Board, 2008)
Exclusion (Suspension or Expulsion) from school in accordance with Rule 130 of the Rules for National Schools/Education Welfare Act 2000.
Suspension will be in accordance with the terms of Rule 130(5) of the Department of Education’s Rules for National Schools.
Rule 130(5): Where the Board of Management deems it necessary to make provision in the Code of Discipline to deal with continuously disruptive pupils or with a serious breach of discipline, by authorising the Chairperson or Principal to exclude a pupil or pupils from school, the maximum initial period of such exclusion shall be three school-days. A special decision of the Board of Management is necessary to authorise a further period of exclusion up to a maximum of 10 school-days to allow for consultation with the pupil or pupil’s parents or guardians. In exceptional circumstances, the Board of Management may authorise a further period of exclusion in order to enable the matter to be reviewed.
Expulsion may be considered in an extreme case, in accordance with Rule 130 (6) of the Rules for National Schools.
Rule 130 (6): No pupil shall be struck off the rolls for breach of discipline without the prior consent of the Patron and unless alternative arrangements are made for the enrolment of the pupil at another suitable school.
Removal of Suspension (Reinstatement) Following or during a period of suspension, the parent/s may apply to have the pupil reinstated to the school. The parent(s) 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.
Expulsion
The Board of Management has the authority to expel a student in an extreme case (see p.81, Developing a Code of Behaviour; Guidelines for Schools) or where repeated incidents of gross misbehaviour interfere with the educational opportunities of fellow students or where there is a threat to the health and safety of either students or staff. This sanction would be imposed under the terms of the Education Welfare Act (2000). Suspension/expulsion procedures are in accordance with the Education Act (1998).
Section 7 Conclusion
This policy has been drawn up to ensure the smooth running of the school and for the safety and protection of the children. This policy will be reviewed as necessary.
A simple summary of this policy is mentioned in the homework journal & should be explained to the pupil.
This policy was adopted by the Board of Management in November 2020
Addendum to the Code of Behaviour for Covid Reasons-August 2020
(added to previous Code of Conduct)
Behaviour Principles
In light of the need for the school community to behave differently and to follow specific rules on the return to school during the Covid-19 pandemic, this addendum to the Code of Behaviour outlines specific changes to guidance that pupils, staff and parents will have to follow. Our guiding principle when making any changes or adjustments to policy is to be able to keep all of our children, families and staff safe and place their wellbeing at the forefront of everything we do.
These amendments will need to be communicated to pupils, parents, staff and all members of the school community.
Pupil Code of Conduct
Pupils are expected to:
• Arrive to and depart from school premises at the agreed time. (Adults should maintain a two-metre distance to other families when dropping off or collecting their children).
• Wash hands and use hand sanitiser when directed by staff and when necessary.
• Remain in their designated seating as directed by their class teacher.
• Keep a safe distance from other pupils and members of staff and refrain from physical contact with their peers.
• Follow the recommended respiratory etiquette: cover any cough or sneeze with a tissue or cough into elbow; if a tissue is used, throw it in the bin. Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and avoid touching the mouth, nose and eyes with hands.
• Adhere to rules in relation to toilet visits and breaks in the yard.
- Follow teachers’ directions regarding class bubbles and pods.
• Tell a member of staff if they are unwell and are exhibiting symptoms of Coronavirus.
Levels of unsafe behaviour (including pupils who are deliberately not following instructions for social distancing)
Level 1- ignoring guidance and reminders regarding the Covid 19 guidelines
Level 2 - lack of respect for Covid-19 guidelines and all behaviours in breach of the school’s Code of Behaviour will be deemed as serious offences as the health and safety of the whole school community is at risk
Level 3 - Continuous lack of respect and disregard for Covid 19 guidelines or a very serious breach of the Code of Behaviour in relation to Covid 19 may be deemed a level 3 behaviour. Unfortunately, in order to minimise risk of Covid 19 spread, a pupil displaying continuous disregard of the Covid 19 guidelines may be at a level 3 behaviour quickly for the sake of the health of the school community.
Sanctions are in relation to the level of unsafe behaviour and appropriate sanctions will be given at each level in accordance with the existing Code of Behaviour.
Cloughduv N.S. acknowledges that children will have had a range of different experiences during the lockdown period which may have an impact on their behaviour presentation upon return to school. For many, the process of re-engagement with learning and the school community, under unusual circumstances, may require some additional support and intervention.Our staff is committed to supporting all the children. We ask that you read through the child friendly version of these rules below:
Pupils’ Code of Behaviour
School has changed since you were last here and we have some new rules and responsibilities for you. You need to follow all of them to keep you and those around you safe.
Things we need to do in school
1. When you come in the gate in the morning, play in your own class area & line up in your area at the marked spot when the bell rings.
2. Follow your special route in your own door, sanitise your hands as you enter your classroom.
3. Sit at your own desk. You will stay at the same desk and all your books and equipment will be in your own named box. Please don’t share your stationery with other children.
4. You will be washing and sanitising your hands more frequently.
5. Ask your teacher if you need to use the toilet. You will go one at a time and wash your hands very carefully. Sanitise after returning from using the bathroom.
6. If you sneeze it is very important to use a tissue and throw it in the bin. If you cough use a tissue or cough into your elbow.
7. You will stay in your seats. If you have a question, you put up your hand and your teacher will help you.
8. You will go outside for break time and lunch time and stay in the yard area that has been assigned to your class. You must not go into the other play area
9. Follow your teachers’ directions at home time and exit by the same route you entered the schoo
Parental Responsibilities:
● Keep pupils who are unwell at home, informing the school by email/phone of the type of illness being experienced, until a full recovery is made
● Follow altered procedure for arrival and departure
● Support the school by reinforcing guidance around hand hygiene, personal distancing, and respiratory etiquette
● Remain outside the school building at all times
● To use email/phone as the main medium to contact school/ staff if they wish to communicate.
Additional Staff Responsibilities:
● Practise social distancing and ensure the pupils remain in their class bubble and pods.
● Practise, and ensure pupils practise, hand hygiene at appropriate times eg, on arrival, before eating/when entering classroom/after toileting/after using shared equipment etc.
● Keep work areas clean & tidy
This addendum was ratified by the chairperson of the BOM in August 2020
