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Gullane Primary School

Behaviour Policy

Parent Information Leaflet

August 2010

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In Gullane Primary School we place great emphasis on a child’s personal and social development

which is a fundamental aspect of the education of the whole child.

We aim to promote the awareness of the needs of others, values in society and for your child to

take increasing responsibility of his/her own life. In achieving these aims children will be required

to increase their knowledge and understanding about themselves, others, their immediate

environment and the world they live in.

The community in Gullane Primary School includes teaching and support staff, pupils and

parents/carers. We feel that it is important to promote the values of honesty, justice, fairness

and respect and we do this through creating a caring and supportive atmosphere in school where

respect for others is a key factor.

Why have a Behaviour Policy in Gullane Primary School?

When a large group of children and adults work together in one building it is realistic to think that

there may be difficulties with relationships from time to time. Children work well when there is a

recognised framework where they know that there are limits to what is acceptable within that

framework. The staff in Gullane Primary School would like the children to come to school ready to

enjoy learning. The majority of children do, but for those who intentionally disrupt lessons or play,

we have developed a policy to allow us to have structure and be consistent. The policy reinforces

positive behaviour and positive actions and rejects unacceptable behaviour.

To serve the aims of the school it is important that all within the community of Gullane Primary

School understand that acknowledging the school aims and rules is an important factor to

maintaining a calm and positive environment for all who are involved in the life of the school.

How will we achieve our aims?

Pupils, parents/carers, teachers and support staff all take collective responsibility for the

promotion of positive behaviour in Gullane Primary School. Our overriding theme for staff,

parents/carers and pupils is that all members of our community will treat each other with respect.

Pupils

Pupils identify strongly with the school and are proud to be a part of it. This includes the

wearing of the school uniform. (School Handbook)

Pupils are encouraged to be polite, well behaved and courteous at all times.

Pupils will follow the Golden Rules and take part in making decisions based on these rules.

Pupils are encouraged to work co-operatively with each other and with staff, and have high

expectations of themselves and others.

Parents

Parents/carers actively support the school’s policies including the school dress code.

Parents/carers and visitors to the school feel valued and welcomed

Parents/carers support and participate in the life of the school and are actively encouraged

to be partners in their children’s learning through homework, classroom activities, out-of-

school activities and other extra curricular activities.

Parents can contribute to the wider aspect of school life through the Parents/Carers

Forum and the Parent/Teacher Association.

Parents readily engage with the school concerning its work and are willing to take part in

effective two-way communication.

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Teaching Staff

Teachers identify strongly with the school and are proud to be part of it.

Teachers establish positive relationships with pupils and parents and handle attendance and

discipline problems in a sensitive and caring manner.

Teachers have high expectations of pupils’ achievement, attendance and behaviour.

Teachers use appropriate praise to motivate pupils and this permeates all aspects of school

life.

Support Staff

This group includes:

The administrative staff, classroom assistants, special needs auxiliaries, auxiliaries, lunchroom

supervisors, playground supervisors, janitors, cleaning staff and catering staff.

Support staff maintain positive relationships with pupils and staff.

Support staff have high expectations of pupils’ achievement and behaviour.

Support staff share in dealing with problems in a caring and sensitive manner.

Support staff identify strongly with the school and are proud to be associated with it.

Visiting Staff

In line with our community stance on respect all visiting staff will be treated in this manner.

Equality and Fairness

In Gullane all pupils, parents/carers and staff are treated equally, with respect. The school

promotes equality of opportunity and a sense of fairness. Pupils and parents as well as staff are

invited to take part in decision-making process.

The school rules are based on respect:

Respect for self

Respect for others

Respect for property

Respect for knowledge and learning

Respect for the community

These rules are a lifelong learning process and we promote these through a set of Golden Rules.

The Golden Rules for Gullane Primary are:

Be Gentle

Work hard

Be honest

Listen to people

Look after property

Be kind and helpful

If appropriate class teachers may work within a framework called ‘Full Value Contracts’ in order to

develop children’s understanding of agreements and structure for working together.

Golden Time

Golden Time may be operated in classrooms at a time negotiated between class and teacher. The

activities for this period of time are also negotiated between class and teacher. Some class

teachers may find that they use a variety of strategies as incentives over a school year. This is

acceptable and appropriate.

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Pastoral Care and Self Esteem

Inappropriate behaviour may stem from personal problems or difficulties in the child’s home life.

It also has to be recognised that poor behaviour may stem from a range of personal problems

within and arising from school situations. It is important to be sensitive to reasons for negative

behaviour.

Close communication between home and school is vital and every effort will be made to

communicate clearly to maximise the value of the partnership.

Enhancing self-esteem in pupils is acknowledged as a key factor in the promotion of positive

relationships. It also supports the learning and teaching within the classroom.

The curriculum should be seen as an instrument in enhancing pupils’ self esteem. The teaching of

social skills in the conscious, systematic way and the provision of opportunities for discussion or

role-play are methods of promoting feelings of inclusiveness.

Outline of the School’s Behaviour Strategy

To meet the needs of teachers and pupils within an establishment where the main aim is the quality

of learning and teaching it is important to operate a positive and supportive behaviour policy.

Needs of Individuals

We recognise that pupils’ difficult behaviour can be a symptom of complex underlying difficulties.

We aim to promote and maintain high standards of behaviour throughout the school. We recognise

that, for certain pupils, other measures may be undertaken. It is important to tailor our

management of these pupils to the needs of the individual. It is also important that other pupils

see that staff are fair and a discussion may be required to establish why certain behaviours may –

in their eyes- be dealt with differently. This is a sensitive issue and requires sensitive handling.

Reassurance is necessary for pupils as some behaviours can be unnerving or alarming. In an inclusive

school it is important that we all appreciate the difference in all of us.

Each day will be a fresh start for pupils. However if a pupil continues to break the rules each day

the class teacher will refer the pupil to the head teacher. This will result in a pupil’s parents being

contacted.

East Lothian Anti Bullying Guidelines East Lothian Council aims to provide safe, happy and healthy environments so that everyone may

realise their full potential. The Anti-Bullying Guidelines and Procedures for Young People is part of

a strategy for establishments in the Department of Education and Community Services to reduce

and eliminate bullying.

We hope that this leaflet is helpful and is informative. It is important to talk things through with

us if you have any concerns. By working together in partnership we should be able to support any

concerns regarding inappropriate behaviour and make school life a safe and enjoyable experience

for all.

M. R. Tremmel

Head Teacher

August 2009