School behaviour policy

Valuing appropriate behaviour

The aim of a behaviour policy is to encourage pupils to value themselves and others by respecting rights and tolerating difference. It is important that the policy specifies how such attitudes and behaviour will be noticed, acknowledged and rewarded.

Praise is the best way in which value is communicated. A smile costs nothing! Rewards are important, but must not be confused with bribery, (which is defined as offering inducements for somebody to behave immorally.

Where schools do employ material rewards, (such as stars, merits, points, commendations), it's a good idea to make them available for appropriate social behaviours, rather than restricted to academic effort or achievement. A delicate balance needs to be maintained between the importance given to social and material rewards. The impact of a good behaviour policy "largely comes through being clear, teaching appropriate behaviour and giving positive feedback when pupils are behaving appropriately" (Galvin et al., 1994).

Galvin, P., Mercer, S. and Costa, P.(1989) Building a Better Behaved School Harlow: Longman (ISBN 0582 05697)

Review questions: Valuing appropriate behaviour

How does the behaviour policy encourage appropriate behaviour?

Does the policy ensure that:	Yes	No	Not sure
1 appropriate behaviour is recognised and acknowledged as it occurs?
2 all pupils have equal access to praise and commendation when they make progress in behaving appropriately?
3 rewards are perceived by pupils as being rewarding to them and based on things they value?
4 rewards are used consistently by staff, both teaching and non-teaching (eg Lunch-time supervisors)?
5 all pupils have equal access to rewards?
6 pupils clearly know what they are being rewarded for?
7 rewards are age-appropriate and not perceived as patronising and that pupils have been consulted about the rewards available?
8 the use of rewards encourages pupils to take responsibility for their own behaviour?
9 the use of rewards provides opportunities for parental involvement? (eg by letters from home)
10 there is an hierarchy of rewards?