Why do we need a Behaviour Policy?
It is a primary aim of our school that every member of the school community feels valued and respected, and that each person is treated fairly and well. We are a caring community, whose shared values are built on mutual trust and respect for all. The school behaviour policy is therefore designed to support all members of the school community to live and work together within a positive structure. It aims to promote an environment where everyone feels happy, safe and secure.
Positive behaviour and discipline are paramount to effective teaching and learning to take place. We therefore teach values and attitudes as well as knowledge and skills. However, it must be acknowledged that if the school is to attempt to set boundaries of acceptable behaviour and to develop patterns of reward and sanctions, it must also be accepted that teachers and pupils live their daily lives in the wider community and they have to establish constructive relationships within the present world. One of the most important external influences is that of pupils and home, and as such, regular communication with parents is vital in dealing with behavioural issues.
The primary aim of the behaviour policy is not a system to enforce rules. It is a means of promoting positive relationships so that people can work together with the common purpose of helping each other learn. This policy supports our school community to work together in an effective and considerate way.
What we aim to do at Ysgol-Y-Graig...
The school has a 3 school rules:
- RESPECTFUL - to each other and for everyone's learning.
- READY - to learn and grow.
- SAFE - keep each other and ourselves safe.
Ysgol-Y-Graig expects every member of the school community to behave in a considerate way towards others. We treat all pupils fairly and apply this behaviour policy in a consistent way. Our policy aims to help pupils to grow in a safe and secure environment, and to become positive, responsible and increasingly independent members of the school community. It is underpinned by a positive ethos and good relationships between all stakeholders. We ensure ALN pupils with emotional and behavioural difficulties have their needs assessed and met.
The school rewards positive behaviour as we believe that this will develop an ethos of kindness and consideration. Our policy is designed to promote positive behaviour, rather than merely deter anti-social behaviour.
Positive Recognition/Rewards
Praise can be given in many ways including the following:
- Staff congratulate pupils with a quiet word or encouraging smile.
- Each ‘Seren yr Wythnos/Star of the Week’ receives a certificate in the school assembly.
- A written comment on pupil's work, either in general terms 'well done', or in a more detailed way, picking out specific points or ideas that are pleasing.
- Staff give pupils ClassDojo points for consistent good work or behaviour, or to acknowledge outstanding effort or acts of kindness in school.
- Use of school reports to comment favourably, not only on good work and academic achievement, but on behaviour, on involvement and on general attitudes.
- Communication to parents informing them specifically of some action or achievement that deserves praise.
The school acknowledges all the efforts and achievements of pupils, both in and out of school.
Sanctions
Although the emphasis should be on encouraging positive behaviour, sanctions may be needed where a pupil has consistently failed to respond to requests. The school employs a number of sanctions to encourage the school rules, and to ensure a safe and positive learning environment. We employ each sanction appropriately to each individual situation. We make it clear to children the distinction between minor and more serious behaviour and the range of sanctions that will follow.
The following sanctions could be administered :
- Immediate checking of misbehaviour, including verbal and non-verbal indications of disapproval.
- Referral to Class Teacher/Deputy Head/Head.
- Parental consultation organised by the Head/Deputy Head. This should come at an early stage. It may throw more light on the problems behind the misbehaviour and of providing joint/consistent action between school and home, thus preventing the pupil from playing off one against the other.
- Loss of playtime but under supervision.
- Loss of privileges, such as attendance of clubs, the right to go on visits, membership of school teams and attendance at discos and evening activities run by the school.
The Pupil Wellbeing Team 2024/25 have reviewed the current policy and made amendments that are fitting to the school communities current climate. They have gathered the thoughts and ideas of parents/carers and staff through questionnaires, class discussions and meetings.
The next review will take place in the academic year 2026/2027.
How do we do this at Ysgol-Y-Graig?
Positive Recognition & Rewards
Foundation Learning
(Nursery to Year 2)
Classes use their own star systems in Foundation Learning as they are given immediately and are tangible for our younger learners. Each class has their own system that is age/phase appropriate.
Year 3-6
ClassDojo is displayed on classroom interactive whiteboards daily and points that are awarded are put on by the the pupils or staff as soon as possible to recognise and share positive behaviours and values.
- ClassDojo points are used to recognise positive individual behaviour.
- ClassDojo points will run from Friday morning to Thursday afternoon.
- Each pupil will be allocated a house and individual points will contribute to a house total.
- Points need to be added up and sent to Ms Kaya at the end of Thursday afternoon. The points will need to be reset ready for the next week.
- The house totals will be celebrated in Friday’s Celebration Assembly.
Behaviour Expectations
There will be four stages to follow when behaviour fails to meet the expectations at Ysgol-Y-Graig Primary School.
• Verbal warning
• Partner Class/Cooling Down Time
• Yellow Card
• Red Card
4 Red Cards / 8 Yellow Cards throughout a half term will result in missing the next school trip/sporting event/ activity off site where we believe the behaviour they have displayed may be a threat to themselves or others. 2 missed trips/events will result in exclusion from attending residential trips.
Verbal Warning
In most circumstances, pupils can (and should) be given one warning before a Partner Class/Cooling Down Time, Yellow or Red Card is issued. In some circumstances it may be appropriate to give cards without a warning.
Partner Class
After a verbal warning if behaviour persists, pupils may need to be sent to a partner class.
Cooling Down Time
Pupils should be allowed a cooling down period of five minutes on the time out benches before being allowed back on to the main part of the yard.
Yellow Cards
1. Not following directions straight away.
2. Involving yourself in someone else’s argument and making things worse.
3. Using unkind words-name calling.
4. Leaving the safe area without permission e.g. being in the corridor area or behind the bushes where you can’t be seen.
Red Cards
Must be reported to parents/carers via ClassDojo.
1. Swearing.
2. Deliberately hurting another child physically.
3. Being rude to an adult.
4. Deliberately spitting in the direction of another person.
5. Bullying.
6. Deliberately damaging the school’s or another person’s property.
Straight to Head and possible exclusion.
1. Swearing at an adult.
2. Violence towards a staff member, adult or child.
3. Deliberately leaving the school site without permission.