Behaviour

“Behaviour is outstanding. Pupils are polite and considerate, and their excellent attitudes to work contribute enormously to their learning”, Ofsted, Feb. 2010

Our aim is to develop self-discipline and self-esteem in the children. Our class representatives on School Council has worked with staff to undertake a review of the rules which are necessary for children’s safety and to ensure a productive working atmosphere within the school. At St. Barnabas, all staff work hard to encourage positive attitudes to work; respect and consideration for others, courtesy and good manners. Our behaviour policy can be summed up as:
  • Be safe
  • Be a friend
  • Look after everything

We aim to be positive about good behaviour. By doing this, the children will want to succeed. However, if children do not respond to this approach, we have a range of strategies and sanctions in place to encourage positive attitudes.

Children are expected to keep themselves and the building clean and tidy.

Misbehaviour is normally dealt with by the class teacher through discussion and / or withdrawing privileges. If necessary, more senior members of staff are involved. If poor behaviour persists, children may be placed on ‘Report’ and parents will be invited to discuss ways in which everybody can support the child concerned to bring about an improvement. Children themselves are encouraged to think carefully about the consequences of their actions when things go wrong and via a “Behaviour Recovery Sheet” they reflect on how to bring about an improvement.

Radios, personal stereos, electronic games consoles etc., are not permitted in school. These items together with any which are deemed unsafe may be confiscated on Health & Safety grounds for return to the child’s parents via the school office.

Bullying

Bullying conjures up many fears for parents, especially as your child develops. Thankfully, “real” bullying occurs very infrequently, but cannot and should not be ignored. If you feel that your child is being bullied in any way, it is very important that you contact the school urgently so that appropriate measures can be taken. The school takes a very serious view of bullying and culprits will be dealt with severely. The definition of bullying we use is:
  • Bullying is meant to be hurtful and keeps happening
  • Bullying can be direct: physical and/or spoken
  • Bullying can be indirect: leaving a child out or not talking to them
  • Bullying is often hidden and is meant to hurt. It is started by the child who is bullying. When pupils with the same power, numbers and strength fight or argue from time to time, this is not bullying.

BULLYING, WHETHER VERBAL, EMOTIONAL OR PHYSICAL WILL NOT BE TOLERATED

Occasionally, minor disagreements or disputes cause upsets. Please do let us know urgently if you are aware of problems in order that we can quickly take action.

If you or your child is worried about bullying, from any source, help is available from several support organisations and advice lines. They are:
  • Parentline Plus, Endway House, Endway, Hadleigh, Essex, SS1 2AN Tel. 0808 800 2222 or website: www.parentlineplus.org.uk. Having looked at this website, we believe that it is a very useful source of information and advice for parents who are concerned about bullying in schools
  • Anti-bullying: The next steps, Worcestershire County Council. This has usefullinks and information to support parents and pupils affected by bullying..

However, please remember that the school cannot do anything about problems we know nothing about – please talk to us!