Code of Behaviour
Introductory Statement
Kilberry National School aims to provide a happy, secure, friendly learning environment, where children, parents, teachers, special needs assistants, ancillary staff and Board of Management work in partnership. Each individual is valued, encouraged and respected for their uniqueness and facilitated to reach their full potential in a positive atmosphere.
This policy was prepared in accordance with Guidelines issued by the National Educational Welfare Board in May 2009. This policy was reviewed and updated in 2020.
The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) has necessitated that the Code of Behaviour be updated in compliance with the requirements of NPHET, DES and HSE guidance on protection from coronavirus (Covid-19)
Rationale
Under the Education Welfare Act, 2000, Section 23 (1) schools are obliged to prepare a code of behaviour in respect of the students registered at the school. It details in Section 23(2), that the code of behaviour shall specify:
• The standards of behaviour that shall be observed by each student attending the school;
• The measures that shall be taken when a student fails or refuses to observe those standards;
• The procedures to be followed before a student may be suspended or expelled from the school concerned;
• The grounds for removing a suspension imposed in relation to a student; and
• The procedures to be followed in relation to a child’s absence from school.
Kilberry National School has deemed it necessary to review and update our Code of Behaviour to ensure compliance with the following legislation and guidelines:
• Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools 2013
• Children First National Guidance 2015
• Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools 2017.
• Data Protection 1998 -2018 and EU General Data Personal Regulation 2018 (GDPR)
• Department of Education Roadmap for the full return to school
• HSE / HPSC Covid-19 ‘Interim Recommendations for the re-opening of schools and educational facilities.
Relationship to the characteristic spirit of the school
Kilberry National School is a Catholic Community which aims to provide a caring environment where management, staff and parents work in partnership through mutual respect to develop the spiritual, personal and academic potential of each child according to their talents, skills and abilities. Respect for others and co-operation amongst pupils, parents, staff and the Board of management are the guiding factors in our Code of Behaviour.
Aims
• To allow the school to function in an orderly and harmonious environment.
• To promote positive behaviour and self-discipline recognising the differences between pupils and the need to accommodate these differences.
• To enhance the learning environment where pupils can make progress in all aspects of their development.
• To ensure the safety and well -being of all members of the school community by encouraging an atmosphere of respect, tolerance and consideration for others.
• To enable parents/guardians and pupils to understand the systems and procedures that form our Code of Behaviour and to ensure their co-operation and support in the application of these procedures.
• To ensure that the system of rules, rewards and sanctions are implemented in a fair and consistent manner throughout the school.
• To protect the health and safety of all pupils, staff and their families by strict adherence to the new procedures and protocols to promote social distancing, respiratory and hand hygiene.
Content of policy
In our Code of Behaviour, we address the following:
1. Guidelines for behaviour in the school
2. Whole school approach to promoting positive behaviour – roles and responsibilities
3. Positive strategies for managing behaviour
4. Strategies for dealing with unacceptable behaviour
5. Suspension / Expulsion
6. Keeping records
7. Procedure for notification of a pupil’s absence from school
8. Reference to other policies
1.Guidelines for behaviour in the school
The Education Welfare Act, Section 23, states that the Code of Behaviour shall specify “the standards of behaviour that shall be observed by each pupil attending the school”.
The school recognises that there are times and factors in a child’s life that may influence their behaviour. These will be taken into consideration and the child and his/her behaviour may be accommodated as a result.
In compliance with Section 23 (4) of the Education Act, prior to registering a pupil, parents/guardians will be issued with a copy of the school’s Code of Behaviour and on application, parents/guardians will be asked to confirm in writing that they accept the school’s policy ‘and that they shall make all reasonable efforts to ensure compliance with such code’.
2.Whole school approach to promoting positive behaviour – roles and responsibilities
Staff members, supported by the Board of Management, adopt a positive approach to discipline within the school. Children are encouraged and praised for their efforts in maintaining discipline. The elements of a whole school approach to behaviour include:
• An ethos, policies and practices that are in harmony.
• A teamwork approach to behaviour.
• A whole-school approach to curriculum and classroom management.
• An inclusive and involved school community.
• A systematic process for planning and reviewing behaviour policy.
Staff
• At the beginning of each school year all teachers will discuss the Code of Behaviour and devise a set of positive class rules.
• The school’s Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum is used to support the Code of Behaviour. It aims to help our children develop communication skills, appropriate ways of interacting and behaving, and conflict resolution skills. It also aims to foster self-esteem and to help children accommodate differences and develop citizenship.
• A positive and consistent approach will be adopted by all staff to rewards and sanctions
• The staff will ensure they communicate to parents/guardians any concerns in relation to their child’s behaviour and well-being.
• Behavioural concerns may be brought to the attention of the pupils in class situations by the principal or teacher. Similar information may be conveyed to parents in person, by phone, letter or note home
• The Code of Behaviour is given to each family upon enrolment.
Board of Management
The Board of Management provides a supportive role to the principal and the teaching staff in the positive implementation of the school Code of Behaviour. The Board of Management actively promotes proactive staff involvement in behavioural concerns and to this end will fund where appropriate, opportunities for staff development in the area of understanding behaviour and its management.
Parents
Kilberry National School strives to foster a positive relationship between staff and parents. Parents are actively involved in the school in a variety of ways e.g. school activities, Board of Management, Parents’ Council etc. Parental support is vital for the promotion of positive behaviour and the maintenance of high standards of behaviour.
The school therefore, requests that parents:
• Read this policy and share the contents with their children.
• Give supportive co-operation to school staff in the interest and benefit of their children.
• Co-operate with the school’s system of rewards and sanctions.
• Ensure children are punctual and are collected on time.
• Ensure children’s attendance is regular. (The school is legally obliged to notify the Education Welfare Services in TUSLA when a child is absent for more than 20 school days annually.
• Give a written explanation prior to a pre-arranged absence or following a child’s absence. Explanation may also be given by phoning the school office or on Aladdin.
• Discuss any issues, other than minor matters, at mutually agreed pre-arranged meetings.
• Attend parent/guardian teacher meetings as necessary.
• Communicate any issue, which troubles you or your child at an early stage.
• Help children with homework, ensuring that it is completed.
• Ensure children have the necessary books and materials for school.
• Ensure children have an adequate lunch in accordance with the school’s healthy lunch policy.
• Ensure children wear their school uniform.
• Observe and respect all social distancing protocols when dropping off or collecting their children from the school
• Encourage their child to adhere to social distancing, hand and respiratory hygiene guidelines
• Monitor their child closely for signs and symptoms of illness and keep child at home if they show any signs of infectious illness
•Ensure that meetings with school are arranged in advance through school office.
•Messages can be communicated via a note to the class teacher/or a note in pupil’s journal. Parents are asked not to approach staff at their cars or in the school car park to deliver messages of a non urgent nature.
• Ensure that school has up to date contact information for parents/guardians and other family members who may be required to collect their child, should symptoms appear during the school day
• Answer telephone call from school/call school back promptly and have arrangements in place for prompt collection of their child should it be required
School Hours
Junior/Senior Infants 9.00am – 1.40pm,
First to Sixth Class 9.00am – 2.40pm
First and Second 9am-2.30pm (School re-opening plan)
The school is open to receive pupils from 8.50am onwards. The school will not be responsible for pupils who arrive before this time. Children proceed directly to their classrooms and enter through their designated entry points.
Pupils
Pupils play an important role in the ongoing implementation of the Code of Behaviour by:
• Being involved in discussing and choosing class rules.
• Understanding the need for these rules.
• Discussing, monitoring and reviewing aspects of the Code of Behaviour through the Student Council and at assemblies.
Each pupil is expected:
• to be well behaved and to show respect and consideration for other children and adults.
• to show respect for the property of the school, other children’s and their own belongings.
• to do his or her best in school and for homework
• to obey the instructions of school staff.
• to follow social distancing protocols as directed by their teachers
• to practise good respiratory and cough etiquette
• to practise good hand hygiene as demonstrated by their teacher
• to use hand sanitiser, wipes, soap, hand towels for the purpose(s) for which they are intended.
• to show due care when using sanitising dispensers, hand towel dispensers and soap dispensers.
3.Positive strategies for managing behaviour
Classroom
Behavioural expectations are established in each class that are consistent with the ethos as expressed in the Code of Behaviour and which sets a positive atmosphere for learning. Pupil input is enlisted in devising the class rules. Teachers ensure that pupils understand and are frequently reminded of how they are expected to behave.
Classroom Rules will include the following:
1. Treat others with respect and kindness. Kind hands, Kind words, Kind feet.
2. Always try your best.
3. Be honest. Tell the truth.
4. Respect the belongings of others.
5. Do not interrupt the teacher or others when speaking. Work quietly.
6. Keep your desk area neat and tidy.
7. Remain in your seat if a teacher has to leave the room.
8. Wear your uniform. Wear tracksuit on PE days. (1st-6th). Junior and Senior Infants wear school tracksuit only.
9. Do not wear make-up in school.
10. In the interest of safety, stud earrings only to be worn.
11. Facial piercings are not allowed.
12. In the interest of hygiene, long hair is to be tied up.
13. Practise good respiratory and cough etiquette.
14. Practise good hand hygiene.
15. Observe social distancing
Good behaviour is recognised and acknowledged in our school. Children are encouraged and praised for their efforts in maintaining discipline. The following list is a selection of strategies which may be used by individual teachers to affirm and promote positive behaviour in the classroom
A quiet word or gesture to show approval
A comment on a child’s exercise book
A visit to another class or the Principal for commendation
Praise in front of class group
Awards e.g. Star of the Week, Student of the Week, Best Listener, Most Improved Student,
Attendance awards/certificates e.g. Best Attending class, Most Improved Attendance for the month, full attendance for the month/term/year certificates. Replaced by a ‘Responsible Student Award’ for the duration of Covid-19 pandemic.
Individual/Group points systems e.g. Class dojo, class jars, raffle tickets, class charts etc.
Stamps and stickers on children’s work
Delegating some special responsibility or privilege
Written or verbal communication with parents/guardians
A small gift/prize
Homework Pass
Golden Time – DVD, treat, extra PE/Art time
The Playground
The following strategies are implemented to promote good behaviour, to prevent behavioural difficulties and to deal with incidences of unacceptable behaviour in the school yard.
• At both break times, teachers are on duty in the playground, assisted by Specials Needs Assistants (SNAs).
• While the SNAs assist with yard supervision the teacher on duty is responsible for disciplinary matters and SNAs will refer children to the teacher.
• In the interest of social distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic, each class is allocated an area in the playground to which pupils must stay within. Break times are staggered to facilitate pupils to remain within class bubbles.
• In the event of misbehaviour during yard time, the teacher on duty will address the issue. Time out stations are located in the yard and may be used at the discretion of the supervising teacher.
• Classroom teachers will be informed of misbehaviour by supervising teacher
• Where deemed necessary, an Incident Form may be filled in by the supervising teacher and given to the class teacher. (Appendix 1)
• The principal will be informed of serious incidents of misbehaviour. Parents will be notified if deemed necessary.
• All pupils must adhere to the following playground rules:
o Move around allocated area with due care
o Play safely at all times
o Do not engage in rough play
o Follow staff instructions
o Line up in designated zones/in class pods (3rd-6th)
Other areas in the school environment
• Pupils walk in single file to and from their classroom keeping to ‘pupil side’ of the corridors. Use assigned entry and exit routes and doors.
• Pupils are encouraged to use handrails going up and down steps, taking one step at a time.
• Pupils should move about the school in a quiet orderly manner.
• Pupils should not shout on corridors, in the toilets or moving between areas
• Pupils should not engage in rough play in the corridors, toilets or while moving between areas
• Pupils should ensure that their coats, bags etc. are stored properly in classrooms/cloakrooms.
• Pupils must show respect for school property and the property of others at all times.
• Courteous behaviour (e.g. standing back to let adults by at doorways, greeting teachers and other adults) is encouraged.
School related activities
The standards and rules contained in the Code of Behaviour apply in any situation where the pupil, although outside the school, is still the responsibility of the school, e.g. school tours, games/extracurricular activities and attendance at events organised by the school.
4.Strategies for dealing with unacceptable behaviour
Despite the best efforts of schools, inappropriate behaviour happens. Even minor breaches of the code of behaviour can be disruptive, particularly if they are persistent. Serious misbehaviour can have damaging and long-lasting effects including disruption of the student’s own learning and the learning of others. It can cause distress and anxiety or even pose a threat to the safety of students and teachers.
Three levels of unacceptable behaviour are recognised by Kilberry National School. They are Minor, Serious and Gross misbehaviours.
It is important to note that the lists below are not exhaustive and that other unacceptable behaviours may be added or included at the school’s discretion.
Examples of Minor Misbehaviour
• Disrupting class work by:
o Talking when teacher or another pupil is talking, interrupting the teacher, shouting out answers, talking over another pupil, talking out of turn o Pupil not listening to instructions, fiddling with stationary etc.
o Laughing/ sniggering/sneering at other children, “giddiness” and giggling
o Throwing objects, making noise, swinging on chairs
o Getting out of seat or moving around the room without permission
o Disobeying teacher’s instructions
• Carelessness with books and stationary, scribbling/drawing on school books
• Drawing on tables, walls, being careless with another pupil’s property
• Commenting negatively on another pupil’s work
• Excluding others
• Leaving litter in and around the school.
• Lack of compliance with school policy on hair, makeup, jewellery and uniform.
• Being discourteous or unmannerly.
• Name calling
• Gestures of defiance and using bad language
• Unruliness in the classroom, toilets or in the hall.
• Deliberately not abiding by social distancing rules,
• Deliberately not following respiratory and cough etiquette
• Deliberate misuse of sanitiser, wipes, soap, hand towels etc.
Examples of Serious Misbehaviour
• Negative physical contact e.g. pushing, hitting, biting, spitting, kicking, tripping up, pulling hair, punching etc.
• Deliberately coughing, sneezing on another child or member of staff.
• Being disrespectful to the teacher/ ignoring the teacher
• Stealing from classmates/teacher
• Screaming/ shouting at another child/teacher
• Deliberate exclusion of peers
• Spreading rumours/lies about another pupil/member of staff
• Name calling or use of derogatory language related specifically to Covid-19.
• Threatening/ intimidating peers
• Throwing objects at peers
• Telling lies
• Bullying – physical, verbal, cyber (Ref: Anti-Bullying Policy)
• Consistently interrupting/distracting others in the class
• Consistently not doing homework
• Refusal to do work assigned
• Refusal to co-operate with the teacher
• Damaging school property
• Using mobile phone in school
• Leaving school grounds without permission during school day
Examples of Gross Misbehaviour
• Deliberate and aggressive coughing on another child or member of staff despite previous warnings.
• Deliberate spitting on another child or staff member.
• Serious assault on another pupil/staff member e.g. physical, verbal
• Serious damage to school property
• Serious theft of school/staff property
• Consistent bullying of another pupil e.g. emotional, physical, cyber Responding to unacceptable behaviour The Education (Welfare) Act 2000, Section 23, states that a school must outline ‘the measures that may be taken if a student fails to observe the standards of behaviour that the school has outlined’. Teachers will use their professional judgement and their knowledge of the child and the particular circumstances of the behaviour or incident in responding to unacceptable behaviour and in selecting the appropriate sanction. The sanction will be proportionate to the behaviour or incident in question. It may include:
1. Reasoning with pupil
2. Verbal reprimand including advice on how to improve
3. Temporary separation from peers within class and/or temporary removal to another class
4. Prescribing extra work/ writing out the story of what happened
5. Loss of privileges
6. Loss of playtime in yard
7. Time out time, either in the classroom or in another room.
8. Teacher communicating with parents
9. Referral to Principal
10. Principal communicating with parents
11. Exclusion (Suspension or Expulsion) from school (in accordance with Rule 130 of the Rules for National Schools as amended by circular22/02 and Education Welfare Act 2000).
Bullying
Children First National Guidance 2017 outlines that bullying can be defined as repeated aggression – whether it be verbal, psychological or physical – that is conducted by an individual or group against others. Children First National Guidance 2017 describes bullying as behaviour that is intentionally aggravating and intimidating, and occurs mainly among children in social environments such as schools. It includes behaviours such as physical aggression, cyber bullying, damage to property, intimidation, isolation/exclusion, name calling, malicious gossip and extortion. Bullying can also take the form of identity abuse based on gender, sexual preference, race, ethnicity and religious factors. With developments in modern technology, children can also be the victims of non-contact bullying, via mobile phones, the internet and other personal devices.
Children First National Guidance 2017 and the Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools 2013 provide that in cases of serious instances of bullying where the behaviour is regarded as possibly abusive, a referral may need to be made to TUSLA or An Garda Síochána as appropriate. Where school personnel have concerns about a child arising from alleged bullying behaviour but are not sure whether to report the matter to TUSLA, the designated liaison person shall seek advice from TUSLA in accordance with the procedures set out in Chapter 5 of Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017.
4.Suspension and Expulsion
Before serious sanctions such as suspension or expulsion are used, the normal channels of communication between school and parents/guardians will be utilised. Communication with parents/guardians may be verbal or by letter depending on the circumstances.
Suspension
Suspension is defined as “requiring the student to absent himself/herself from the school for a specified, limited period of school days”
• For gross misbehaviour or repeated instances of serious misbehaviour suspension may be considered.
• Aggressive, threatening or violent behaviour towards a teacher or pupil will be regarded as gross misbehaviour.
• The principles of ensuring the right to be heard, and the right to impartiality apply in all cases.
• Parents/guardians of a pupil will be given an opportunity to respond to an allegation before a decision is made and before a serious sanction is imposed.
• Parents/guardians concerned will be invited to come to the school to discuss their child’s case.
• Where there are repeated instances of serious misbehaviour, the Chairperson of the Board of Kilberry National School Management will be informed and the parents/guardians will be requested in writing to attend at the school to meet the Chairperson and the Principal.
• If the parents/guardians do not give an undertaking that the pupil will behave in an acceptable manner in the future the pupil may be suspended for a period.
• Prior to suspension, where possible, the Principal may review the case in consultation with teachers and other members of the school community involved, with due regard to records of previous misbehaviours, pattern and context, sanctions and other interventions used and their outcomes and any relevant medical information.
• Suspension will be in accordance with the Rules for National Schools and the Education (Welfare) Act 2000.
• In the case of gross misbehaviour, where it is necessary to ensure that order and discipline are maintained and to secure the safety of the pupils, the Board of Management delegates authority to the Principal to sanction an immediate suspension for a period not exceeding three school days, pending a discussion of the matter with the parents/guardians.
• Where a decision is taken to suspend a pupil, the Principal will notify the parents/guardians and the pupil in writing of the decision to suspend.
• Parents/Guardians have the right to appeal the Principal’s decision to suspend a pupil to the school’s Board of Management.
• Following or during a period of suspension, parents/guardians may apply to have the pupil reinstated to the school.
• Parents/guardians must give a satisfactory undertaking that a suspended pupil will behave in accordance with the school code and the Principal must be satisfied that the pupil’s reinstatement will not constitute a risk to the pupil’s own safety or that of the other pupils or staff.
• The Principal will facilitate the preparation of a behaviour plan for the pupil if required and will readmit the pupil formally to the class.
• Where the total number of days for which the student has been suspended in the current school year reaches twenty days, the parents/guardians may appeal the suspension under section 29 of the Education Act 1998, as amended by the Education (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2007.
Record Keeping in Relation to Suspensions
In the case of the suspension of a pupil formal written records will be kept of:
• the investigation (including notes of all interviews held)
• the decision-making process
• the decision and the rationale for the decision
• the duration of the suspension and any conditions attached to the suspension
The Principal will report all suspensions to the Board of Management, including the reasons for and the duration of each suspension. The Principal is required to report suspensions in accordance with the Education Welfare Service reporting guidelines (Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, section 21(4)(a)).
Expulsion
A student is expelled from a school when a Board of Management makes a decision to permanently exclude the student from the school, having complied with the provisions of section 24 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000. Expulsion may be considered in an extreme case, in accordance with the Rules for National Schools, the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 and Developing a Code of Behaviour: Guidelines for Schools (Education Welfare Service TUSLA). Before expelling a pupil, the Board of Management shall notify the local Education Welfare Officer in writing in accordance with Section 24 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000.
Procedures in respect of expulsion
Where a preliminary assessment of the facts confirms serious misbehaviour that could warrant expulsion, the procedural steps will include:
Step 1: A detailed investigation carried out under the direction of the Principal.
In investigating an allegation, in line with fair procedures, the Principal should:
• inform the pupil and his/her parents/guardians in writing about the details of the alleged misbehaviour, how it will be investigated and that it could result in expulsion.
• give parents and pupil every opportunity to respond to the complaint of serious misbehaviour before a decision is made and before a sanction is imposed.
Step 2: A recommendation to the Board of Management by the Principal.
Where the Principal forms a view, based on the investigation of the alleged misbehaviour, that expulsion may be warranted, the Principal makes a recommendation to the Board of Management to consider expulsion. The Principal should:
• inform the parents/guardians and the pupil that the Board of Management is being asked to consider expulsion
• ensure that parents/guardians have records of:
o the allegations against the student o the investigation
o and written notice of the grounds on which the Board of Management is being asked to consider expulsion
• provide the Board of Management with the same comprehensive records as given to the parents and/or guardians
• notify the parents of the date of the hearing by the Board of Management and invite them to that hearing
• advise the parents/guardians that they can make a written and oral submission to the Board of Management
• ensure that parents/guardians have enough notice to allow them to prepare for the hearing.
Step 3: Consideration by the Board of Management of the Principal’s recommendation; and the holding of a hearing. The Board will:
• review the initial investigation and satisfy itself that the investigation was properly conducted in line with fair procedures.
• undertake its own review of all documentation and the circumstances of the case
• hold a hearing where the Board of Management decides to consider expelling a student.
• allow the Principal and the parents/guardians to put their case in each other’s presence
• allow each party to question the evidence of other party directly
• ensure that the Principal and parents/guardians are not present for the Board’s deliberations
Step 4: Board of Management deliberations and actions following the hearing
Where the Board of Management, having considered all the facts of the case, is of the opinion that the pupil should be expelled, the Board will:
• notify the Educational Welfare Officer (TUSLA) in writing of its opinion and the reasons for this opinion.
• inform the parents/guardians in writing about its conclusions and the next steps in the process.
• inform parents/guardians that the Board of Management is writing to inform the Educational Welfare Officer.
• not expel the pupil before the passage of twenty school days from the date on which the EWO receives this written notification (Education (Welfare) Act 2000, s24(1)).
Step 5: Consultations arranged by the Educational Welfare Officer
Within twenty days of receipt of a notification from a Board of Management of its opinion that a student should be expelled, the Educational Welfare Officer must:
• make all reasonable efforts to hold individual consultations with the Principal, the parents and the student, and anyone else who may be of assistance
• convene a meeting of those parties who agree to attend (Education (Welfare) Act 2000, section 24).
Step 6: Confirmation of the decision to expel
Where the twenty-day period following notification to the Educational Welfare Officer has elapsed, and where the Board of Management remains of the view that the student should be expelled, the Board of Management should formally confirm the decision to expel.
Appeals
A parent may appeal a decision to expel to the Secretary General of the Department of Education and Skills (Education Act, 1998 Section 29). An appeal may also be brought by the National Educational Welfare Board on behalf of a student.
Review of use of expulsion
The Board of Management will review the use of expulsion in the school at regular intervals to ensure that its use is consistent with school policies, that patterns of use are examined to identify factors that may be influencing behaviour in the school, and to ensure that expulsion is used appropriately.
Pupils with Special Needs
All pupils are required to comply with the Code of Behaviour. However, the school recognises that pupils with special needs may require assistance in understanding certain rules. Planning to encourage positive behaviour will be included in the pupil’s IEP, which is drawn up in consultation with parents/guardians and the class teacher, special education teacher and/or the Principal. Staff will work closely with the home to ensure that optimal support is given. Cognitive development will be taken into account at all times. Professional advice from psychological assessments will be taken into consideration.
The children in the class or school may be taught strategies to assist a pupil with special needs adhere to the rules and thus provide peer support. This will be done in a supportive and safe way, acknowledging and respecting the difference in all individuals.
Keeping Records
The school BoM is a data controller of personal data relating to its past, present and future staff, students, parents/guardians and other members of the school community. All such data is treated in accordance with the Data Protection legislation and the terms of our Data Protection Policy.
Data relating to individuals will only be processed in a manner consistent with the purposes for which it was gathered. Information will only be disclosed on a ‘need to know’ basis, and access to it will be strictly controlled.
In line with the school’s policy on record keeping and data protection legislation, records are kept in relation to pupils’ behaviour both at class and school level. These records are written in a factual and impartial manner.
Procedure for notification of a pupil’s absence from school
In co-operation with parents and guardians, we strive to help each pupil achieve his/her full potential and so we will promote a positive attitude towards good attendance and punctuality. The Education Welfare Act, 2000, Section 23 (2)(e) states that the code of behaviour must specify, “the procedures to be followed in relation to a child’s absence from school.” Section 18 stipulates that parents must notify the school of a student’s absence and the reason for this absence. Please refer to the Statement of Strategy for School Attendance for further information on:
• strategies to promote good attendance
• responding to poor attendance
• recording and reporting attendance
Reference to Other Policies
Child Safeguarding Policy
Anti-bullying Policy
SPHE Plan
Statement of Strategy for Attendance
Data Protection Policy
Health & Safety
Special Educational Needs
Dignity at Work Policy
Acceptable Use Policy
• Department of Education Roadmap for the full return to school
• HSE / HPSC Covid-19 ‘Interim Recommendations for the re-opening of schools and educational facilities.
Success Criteria
• Observation of positive and improved behaviour in classrooms, corridors, playground and school environment.
• Practices and procedures listed in this policy being consistently implemented by teachers.
• Positive feedback from teachers, parents/guardians and pupils.
Review
This policy was reviewed and updated by the Board of Management in November 2020. It will be reviewed in 2021 or sooner if deemed necessary.
Signed: Leon Kenny
(Chairperson, BOM)
Date: 11/11/20
