Behaviour and Attitudes
Our behaviour guidelines and principles are deeply rooted in the Catholic educational mission, emphasising the development of the whole person, respect for dignity, and the promotion of a Christian way of life. These principles are articulated through various Church documents and teachings.
Core Principles
- Respect for Dignity: Catholic schools are called to uphold the dignity of every individual. This includes creating an environment where all members of the school community – pupils, teachers, and staff – are treated with respect and kindness. The behaviour policy should reflect this commitment to dignity and promote a culture of mutual respect among all members of the school community. (1)
- Christian Values: The behaviour policies in Catholic schools should be informed by Christian values, which include love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. These values guide the approach to discipline and conflict resolution, encouraging a restorative rather than punitive approach (2). The aim is to foster a community that reflects the teachings of Christ, where individuals are encouraged to grow in virtue and moral understanding. (3)
- Collaboration with Families: The involvement of parents and guardians is crucial in shaping behaviour policies. Catholic schools recognise that families are the primary educators of their children, and thus, effective communication and collaboration between home and school are essential. This partnership helps reinforce the values taught at school and supports the overall development of the child. (4)
- Holistic Development: The behaviour policy should aim at the holistic development of pupils, addressing not only academic growth but also spiritual, emotional, and social development. This comprehensive approach ensures that pupils learn to navigate their behaviour in a way that aligns with their faith and personal growth. (3)
- Protection and Support: Catholic schools have a responsibility to protect the most vulnerable members of their community. This includes implementing procedures that promote the safety and well-being of all pupils, particularly those who may be at risk of harm. The behaviour policy should include clear guidelines for addressing bullying and other forms of misconduct, ensuring that all pupils feel safe and supported. (1)
Implementation Guidelines
- Clear Expectations: Schools should establish clear behavioural expectations that are communicated to all members of the school community. These expectations should be rooted in the values of the Gospel and the teachings of the Church. (5)
- Positive Reinforcement: Encouraging positive behaviour through recognition and rewards can be an effective strategy. This approach not only promotes good behaviour but also fosters a sense of belonging and community among pupils. (2)
- Restorative Practices: When conflicts arise, schools are encouraged to use restorative practices that focus on healing and reconciliation rather than punishment. This method helps pupils understand the impact of their actions and encourages them to take responsibility for their behaviour. (2)
- Regular Review: Behaviour policies should be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure they remain relevant and effective. This process should involve input from teachers, parents, and pupils to create a sense of ownership and commitment to the policy. (3)
In summary, behaviour policies in Catholic primary schools are guided by principles that emphasise respect, Christian values, collaboration with families, holistic development, and the protection of vulnerable individuals. These principles are implemented through clear expectations, positive reinforcement, restorative practices, and regular reviews, all aimed at fostering a nurturing and faith-centred educational environment.
Our procedures recognise the EEF six recommendations for improving behaviour in schools. Learning behaviours are taught explicitly within our PSHCE programme. Reward systems include our Like Jesus certificates, Prophet Points and Respect Tokens.
