Severe Behaviour Policy

1. Introduction
The Christ Church Primary School Good Behaviour Policy is intended to encourage children to make positive choices and, through appropriate rewards and sanctions and the involvement of parents, provide a framework for children to learn self-discipline and respect. However, there are some occasions when it is necessary to apply the severe clause that is indicated in the policy. This policy explains the structure and processes of the severe clause, which, like the 'mainstream' policy, must be applied consistently.


2. Definition of 'Severe Behaviour'

The following inappropriate behaviour can be classed as 'severe' and would therefore warrant the sanctions of the Severe Clause:

- Racial abuse

- Verbal abuse

- Extreme behaviour (e.g. violence, running away, vandalism, deliberately dangerous activities, etc)

- Bullying, that is the repeated physical or verbal abuse to victim(s) by person(s) that continues following the implementation of the Anti-bullying policy and procedures.
- Persistent disobedience or destructive behaviour

3. Sanctions

Incidents of the above behaviour, although rare, must be dealt with firmly and immediately. The child concerned must be sent to the Headteacher (or, in his/her absence, the Deputy Head, then next most senior member of staff) and a clear account of what has occurred given. The Headteacher will investigate whether or not the offence is deemed to warrant the severe clause, and if it does, then the following action will be taken:

Stage 1 - First Incident

1. Headteacher investigates by talking to all those involved in the incident including the victim(s), possible perpetrator(s) and observers

2. Headteacher records the incident in the Severe Behaviour Logbook

3. The child attends the Sanctions Room to reflect on his/her behaviour

4. The headteacher informs the parents/carers of the victim(s) and perpetrator(s). This will usually be done by telephone and recorded in the Severe Behaviour Logbook.

5. Parents are invited to discuss the incident with the Headteacher and/or class teacher.

6. They will be informed that any repetition of the offence will result in the child going ‘on report’ or having an Individual Behaviour Plan.

7. Victims  will be offered the opportunity to discuss the incident and may be counselled by appropriate member of staff if necessary


Stage 2 - Second Incident

1. Same procedures as Stage 1 with the addition of:

2. Parents will be informed that the child is 'on report' for a specified period (usually between 4-6 weeks).

3. The child is issued with a 'Report Book' on which positive behaviour is recorded, which is to be presented to the member of staff responsible for him/her at the end of each session, break time, lunch, for a comment and a signature.

4. At the end of a given period (day/week), the child must take the card to the Headteacher for comment and signature

5. By now the Special Needs Code of Practice will have been implemented and it is probable that the child will be on a School Action Plus (SEN Code of Practice). Consideration will be given for referral to the Educational Psychologist or Pupil Referral Service if this has not already occurred.

6. An action plan will be put in place as part of the child's IBP and will include appropriate sanctions as well as rewards to encourage good behaviour.

7. Parent will be given a copy of this policy and the action plan.

8. The IBP will be monitored by the SENCO/ class teacher/ head teacher in line with the SEN Code of Practice.

Stage 3 - Third Incident

1. Parents/carers will be informed in writing that further behaviour of a similar nature will result in a Headteacher's fixed term exclusion for a day(s) duration up to a maximum of 15 days.

2. Pupil referral unit will be informed – CAF form completed if concerns deem it necessary.


Stage 4 - Fourth Incident

NB This stage will only be reached:
a) in response to serious breaches of the school's behaviour policy or
b) if allowing the pupil to remain in school would seriously harm the education or welfare of the pupil or others in school

Following further discussions with the parents/carers and if a written warning has been given (Stage 4 - Serious Behaviour) the child will be excluded. The exclusion can be for a maximum of 15 school days in one term, and must meet the requirements of the LEA and DFES regulations.

The Pupil Referral Service will be informed and asked to make a home visit to support the child and the family

The Chair of Governors will be informed, who will inform the Discipline Committee

All Governors will be informed at the next available Governors meeting.

Parents will be informed of the exclusion by letter. This letter will detail the Appeals Procedure.

The Headteacher will discuss with the child and the parents the conditions which the child will be expected to adhere to when he/she is re-admitted to school. A contract will be drawn up.


4. Subsequent Offences of a Similar Nature

Subsequent offences, which are not resolved by the actions taken above and which clearly put staff and/or children at risk of constant mental or physical harm, or the buildings and equipment of destruction or damage can result in only one outcome: permanent exclusion. This is to be considered as a very last resort, and it may be that further short-term exclusions are first appropriate. At this stage, appropriate external agencies such as the Behaviour Support Team and the Educational Psychologist should be consulted before any decision is taken.

Other than in the most exceptional circumstances, we aim to avoid permanently excluding any pupil with a statement or who is being supported at School Action or School Action Plus. Should it be necessary to permanently exclude a child, the national procedures as laid down by the DFES must be followed.


Physical Restraint