Updates on Behaviour...

Part of our Inset on the first day was to review and update our behaviour policy. We've recognised that we needed to both simplify our existing policy and link it to our learning value. We've come with a three line statement which we hope will embed  quickly with staff and children.

We spent a lot of time discussing how to ensure our expectations are shared with pupils. We believe building positive relationships in the classroom is key!

• Focus on specific things - what do they mean? Model good behaviours.
• Use circle times that are planned or in response to something that come up or an incident.
• Use class assemblies for the children to share things that matter to them or what's going on in the news.
• Give the children time to learn more about each other through team building activities. 
• Remember and respond – e.g. if you know 'Jimmy' is going to dad’s on Saturday – ask him about it on Monday morning.

'Relentelss routines' are a vital part of the sense of order and community. Keeping our language simple and not asking children 'why' things happened in the first instance but rather 'what' happened. when it all goes wrong...?

A few simple tips like these can make a difference.

• Use a gentle approach which is personal and non-threatening.
• Stay at eye level or lower.
• Use the pupil’s name, 
• State behaviours observed and which rule it contravenes.
• Inform the student what will happen if s/he continues. 
• Refer to previous good behaviour / learning as a model for desired behaviour.
• Use language of choice.
• Walk away – allow take up time.
• Look around the room with a view to catch somebody following the rules.

I guess we won't all get it right all of the time but we will all try to do our best.