PASTORAL CARE AND DISCIPLINE

Throughout the school the children work in class groups which means that we get to know children and their parents very well. As adults we share responsibility for all the children but each teacher has particular responsibility for one group or class of children.

We liaise with the school doctor and nurse, the speech therapist, the dentist, the educational welfare officer, the police and social services for the children’s benefit.

The emphasis within the school is on self-discipline and the rules are kept to a minimum required for the orderly running of the school. We encourage children to care for each other and themselves and to respect other people’s property and their own.

Children who behave badly, like those who behave particularly well, may be referred to the Headteacher. They may also be reprimanded, have to stay in at playtime or have some privileges withdrawn. Corporal punishment (the cane) is not used.

On occasions parents will be contacted about a child’s misbehaviour if the matter is sufficiently serious. The support of parents is very important to help us uphold the discipline of the school.

In cases of extreme or continuous misconduct or non-compliance with school guidelines on dress and appearance (as detailed in this prospectus) the headteacher has the authority to exclude a child from the school. This school follows the Hertfordshire County Council’s guidelines for such exclusions (Guidelines for School Management - HCC), whether they be for a fixed term or permanent. Parents of children in danger of exclusion will be notified by the headteacher in writing and a meeting arranged to discuss the matter. All possible support will be given to both the child and parents in order to modify the child’s behaviour and avoid such measures. If the misconduct or non-compliance continues a fixed term exclusion will be implemented. Further misconduct may result in the permanent exclusion of a child.