School Rules and Positive Behaviour

At Brierley Primary School, we want every child to feel safe, happy, respected and ready to learn.

Our approach to behaviour is rooted in our school values of Nurture, Aspire, Believe and Achieve. We teach children what positive behaviour looks like, recognise and celebrate good choices, and respond to behaviour calmly, fairly and consistently.

We believe that school and families share responsibility for supporting children’s wellbeing and behaviour. Positive relationships between children, staff and parents are an important part of our school community.

Our Golden Rules

Our four Golden Rules are simple, clear and apply to everyone:

These rules help children understand what is expected of them and support a calm, safe and positive learning environment.

Encouraging Positive Behaviour

Positive behaviour is taught, modelled and reinforced throughout school. We encourage children to be kind, polite, considerate and responsible and to develop increasing independence and self-discipline. Staff use clear expectations, consistent routines, positive relationships and praise to help children make good choices.

We recognise and celebrate positive behaviour and achievement in a variety of ways, including:

• verbal praise and recognition;

• house points;

• Child of the Week;

• postcards home;

• celebrating children’s work;

• Golden Time; and

• Golden Face recognition.

Our aim is for children to feel proud of their achievements and increasingly take responsibility for their own behaviour and learning.

When Things Go Wrong

Children sometimes make mistakes, and learning how to put things right is an important part of growing up. When behaviour does not meet our expectations, staff use a clear and consistent stepped approach. This begins with a reminder and an opportunity for the child to make a better choice. If behaviour continues, appropriate consequences and reflection time may be used. Where behaviour is persistent or more serious, a member of the Senior Leadership Team or Headteacher may become involved and parents/carers will be contacted when appropriate. Please see behaviour policy for more detailed information.

Serious behaviour, including violence or aggression, bullying or harassment, discriminatory behaviour and persistent disruption, is taken seriously and may require an immediate response.

Supporting Individual Needs

We recognise that behaviour can sometimes be a form of communication. Children are individuals, and staff take account of their needs and circumstances when responding to behaviour. Where appropriate, we make reasonable adjustments, use a graduated approach and seek additional support so that every child has the best possible opportunity to succeed. This does not mean that expectations disappear. It means that children may need different support to help them meet the same high expectations.

Bullying (Peer on Peer Abuse) and Keeping Children Safe

Every child has the right to feel safe and respected at Brierley. We do not accept bullying, racism, homophobia, extremism, cruelty, violence, vandalism or behaviour which could place a child or adult at risk of harm.

We also recognise that changes in a child’s behaviour can sometimes indicate that they need help or that there may be a safeguarding concern. Staff are alert to this and follow the school’s safeguarding procedures whenever necessary. Parents and carers will be involved when there are concerns about their child’s behaviour, and we encourage families to speak to us promptly if they have concerns about behaviour affecting their child.

Mobile Phones

To help keep children safe and minimise distractions, pupils are not permitted to use mobile phones anywhere on the school premises. If a child needs to bring a mobile phone to school, it must be switched off and handed to their teacher on arrival. The phone will be locked away securely during the school day and returned to the child at the end of the day. Children must not keep mobile phones with them or use them while on school property. We ask parents and carers to support us by ensuring that children understand and follow this expectation.

Behaviour Beyond the School Gate

Our behaviour expectations also apply when pupils are:

• on school trips;

• travelling to and from school;

• online; and

• representing Brierley Primary School.

Where behaviour outside school affects the safety, wellbeing or reputation of the school community, appropriate action may be taken in line with our Behaviour Policy.

Working Together

Positive behaviour is most successful when school and home work together.

We ask parents and carers to:

• support our school rules and expectations;

• help children arrive at school ready to learn;

• work in partnership with staff; and

• raise concerns with us appropriately.

In return, staff will communicate with families and work with them to help children succeed. If you are concerned about your child’s behaviour, or about behaviour affecting your child, please speak to your child’s class teacher in the first instance.