Behaviour attendance exclusion
As proposers you will want to work closely with the temporary governing body and the head teacher to develop policies on behaviour, attendance and exclusion to ensure they are consistent with your vision.
Behaviour
The governing body must prepare a written statement of general principles on behaviour and discipline. You should ensure that these are principles on which you agree. The governing body must consult the head teacher, staff, parents/carers and pupils on the statement which will guide the head teacher in determining the more detailed measures that form the behaviour policy.
The head teacher must determine the measures — rules, rewards, sanctions and behaviour management strategies — that comprise the behaviour policy. Measures must be designed to:
-
secure an acceptable standard of behaviour
-
prevent all forms of bullying
-
ensure tasks are completed
-
promote self-discipline, a proper regard for authority and respect for others.
They should be consistent with the statement of principles made by the governing body and any specific notification or guidance it has given. The principles may go a long way towards defining an acceptable standard of behaviour. If they do not the head teacher is responsible for defining the acceptable standard.
The measures determined by the head teacher must be published as a written document which must be made available within the school and to parents/carers. At least once a year the measures must be brought to the attention of pupils, parents/carers and staff.
To help you through the process of developing a behaviour policy you should see DCSF guidance.
Attendance
The governing body must establish a policy on ensuring high levels of attendance.
The head teacher must ensure that there are systems in place to:
-
handle deteriorating and poor attendance
-
tackle the underlying reasons for the absence.
The school's attendance policy and systems must be published and made known across the school, including to pupils and their parents/carers.
The governing body may retain discretion to grant pupils leave of absence but must work within the regulations Education (Pupil Registration)(England) Regulations.
Your school must provide the local authority with timely information on registration and individual pupils' attendance. More information on effective school attendance practice is available on the DCSF school attendance website.
Exclusion
The head teacher and governing body must ensure that correct procedures are followed in the event they need to exclude a pupil, either permanently or for a fixed period. These are set out in the DCSF guidance on exclusions.
