At Kemball School we recognise that some of our pupils may exhibit unacceptable behaviour because of their needs and disabilities and our policy is to support pupils to behave well through improved communication, sensory regulation and high expectation. We want our pupils to feel safe and we will employ de-escalation strategies as a preventative measure.
We respect and value all children and are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all our pupils so they can learn, in a happy and secure atmosphere. Therefore we adhere to the following principles:
Right to feel safe at all times:
All young people, staff and other members of the school community have the right to feel safe at all times whilst in school. We expect all members of the school community to behave responsibly and to treat each other with respect. They should be aware that bullying or harassment of any description is unacceptable even if it occurs outside normal school hours.
High standards of behaviour:
The Governors strongly believe that high standards of behaviour lie at the heart of a successful school. Good teaching and learning promote good behaviour and good behaviour promotes effective learning. Governors also believe that the expectation of high standards of behaviour which are required during the school day can have a positive effect on the life of young people outside school in encouraging them to become successful citizens.
Inclusivity and Equality:
We are an inclusive school, we believe in equality and in valuing the individual. We believe all members of the school community should be free from discrimination, harassment and bullying and will not tolerate them in any form. We recognise some pupils may need additional support to meet behaviour expectations.
School Rules:
The Governors expect rules to be simple and kept to a minimum. The Governors believe in consistent systems differentiated by age and ability, in taking responsibility for our actions – in choice and consequence. We expect that all staff will support rules and codes and ensure consistent application and expectations across the school day. Our school council has discussed and complied our school rules.
Rewards:
We believe positive behaviours should be praised to encourage good behaviour in the classroom and elsewhere in the school. The Governors expect any rewards system should be consistently applied. It must be regularly monitored for consistency, fair application and effectiveness.
Sanctions:
Sanctions for unacceptable/poor behaviour should be known and understood by all staff, other adults with authority for behaviour, pupils and parents/carers including extended provision. It is important that sanctions are monitored for their proper use, consistency and effective impact. Sanctions may be differentiated based upon the individual need and level of understanding.
Home/School Agreement:
The Home/School Agreement will be an important part of communicating our approach so that parents/carers can be encouraged to support their child, just as the pupils should be helped to understand their responsibilities during their time at school, in the wider community and in preparation for their life after school.
The use of Reasonable Force:
The Governors expect the Whole School Behaviour Policy/ Physical intervention Policy to clearly outline the circumstances where staff may use reasonable force and other physical contact. At all times the use of force should be a last resort but governors agree it may be used in the following circumstances
– in self-defence or when safety is an issue e.g. causing personal injury to themselves or others.
– where there is a risk of significant damage to property
The Governors expect that ‘authorised’ staff are appropriately trained in the use of positive handling and that all staff are given advice on de-escalation and behaviour management techniques. Staff at Kemball School are trained in the use of CPI (formally MAPA. There is a statutory duty to record and report all significant incidents including all use of force. Where a risk has been identified, an individual pupil may have an ‘Individual Behaviour Plan’ which, if appropriate, may specify a particular physical intervention technique for the pupil concerned.
- Pastoral care for school staff:
The Governors would not expect automatic suspension of a member of staff who has been accused of misconduct, pending an investigation. The Governors would, however, expect the Headteacher to draw on and follow the advice in the ‘Confidential Reporting (whistleblowing) Policy.