Statement of intent

Blacko Primary School believes that, in order to facilitate teaching and learning, acceptable behaviour must be demonstrated in all aspects of school life. The school is committed to:

• Following our Ambition, Respect and Collaboration values
• Promoting desired behaviour.
• Promoting self-esteem, self-discipline, proper regard for authority, and positive relationships based on mutual respect.
• Ensuring equality and fair treatment for all.
• Praising and rewarding good behaviour.
• Challenging and disciplining misbehaviour.
• Providing a safe environment free from disruption, violence, discrimination, bullying and any form of harassment.
• Encouraging positive relationships with parents.
• Developing positive relationships with pupils to enable early intervention.
• A shared approach which involves pupils in the implementation of the school’s policy and associated procedures.
• Promoting a culture of praise and encouragement in which all pupils can achieve.

The school acknowledges that behaviour can sometimes be the result of educational needs, mental health issues, or other needs or vulnerabilities, and will address these needs via an individualised graduated response.

To help reduce the likelihood of behavioural issues related to social, emotional or mental health (SEMH), the school aims to create a safe and calm environment in which positive mental health and wellbeing are promoted and pupils are taught to be resilient. The school aims to promote resilience as part of a whole-school approach using the following methods:

• Culture, ethos and environment – the health and wellbeing of pupils and staff is promoted through the informal curriculum, including leadership practice, policies, values and attitudes, alongside the social and physical environment
• Teaching – the curriculum is used to develop pupils’ knowledge about health and wellbeing
• Community engagement – the school proactively engages with parents, outside agencies and the wider community to promote consistent support for pupils’ health and wellbeing

Where vulnerable pupils or groups are identified, provision will be made to support and promote their positive mental health. The school’s Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Policy outlines the specific procedures that will be used to assess these pupils for any SEMH-related difficulties that could affect their behaviour.