Naíscoil Íde is a co-ed Infant School committed to the highest standard of care and education for pupils ranging in ages from 4 – 7 years. The school endeavours to provide a positive and caring environment where good personal relationships and mutual respect are the corner-stones. This will be achieved in a way that celebrates the school as a place that is dedicated to quality teaching and learning and that is supportive of the well being of all who form part of the school community. In order to achieve these aims the Board of Management, staff and parents have developed an agreed Code of Behaviour

We seek the co-operation of parents and guardians to promote the following:

• Obedience
• Courtesy and good manners
• Respect for self and others
• Respect for property
• Compliance with School Rules

This Code of Behaviour covers the following areas:

• Behaviour in the classroom.
• Behaviour around the school. } Appendix 1
• Behaviour in the Yard.
• General daily routines for Assembly and Dismissal. }Appendix 2
• Attendance, punctuality and homework.

This code will create a happy and safe environment where children can take responsibility for their own behaviour and reach their full potential.

This Code has been drawn up in accordance with the requirements of the Education Welfare Act and the values of the school mission statement after consultation with the Board of Management, Teachers and Parents.

Aims

The aims of the Code are to:

• provide guidance for pupils, teachers and parents on behavioural expectations.
• provide for the effective and safe operation of the school.
• develop pupils’ self-esteem and to promote positive behaviour.
• foster the development of a sense of responsibility and self-discipline in pupils based on respect, consideration and tolerance of others.
• facilitate the education and development of every child.
• foster caring attitudes to one another and to the environment.
• enable teachers to teach without disruption.

Implementation

Every member of the school community has a role to play in the implementation of the Code. Rules will be kept to a minimum, emphasise positive behaviour and will be applied in a fair and consistent manner, with due regard to the age of the pupils and to individual difference. Good behaviour will be encouraged and rewarded. Where difficulties arise, parents will be contacted at an early stage.

General Guidelines for positive Behaviour

1. Pupils are expected to treat all adults and fellow pupils with respect and courtesy at all times. Behaviour that interferes with the rights of others to learn and to feel safe is unacceptable
2. Pupils are expected to show respect for all school property and to keep the school environment clean and litter free.
3. Pupils are expected to take pride in their appearance, to have all books and required materials and to be in the right place at the right time.
4. Pupils are expected to obey a teacher’s instructions, to work to the best of their ability and to present assignments neatly.
5. Pupils are expected to attend every day unless there is a genuine reason for absence, in which case the school must be informed in writing, stating the reason for absence.

Parents/guardians should note that legislation requires that all students should attend school on a regular basis. Under the Education (Welfare) Act 2002 schools are legally required to inform the National Education Welfare Board of absences of 20 days or more in any school year.

Affirming Positive Behaviour

Positive reinforcement of good behaviour leads to better self-discipline. We place a greater emphasis on rewards and incentives than on sanctions.

Examples of Strategies/Incentives include:-

• a quiet word or gesture to show approval;
• a comment on a child’s exercise book;
• a visit to another class or Principal for commendation;
• praise in front of class group;
• individual class merit awards, points awards or award stamps;
• delegating some special responsibility or privilege;
• written or verbal communication with parent;

Discouraging Misbehaviour

The purpose of sanctions and other strategies is to promote positive behaviour and discourage misbehaviour. Sanctions will be applied according to the gravity of the misbehaviour, with due regard to age and emotional development. These may include:

Pupils will not be deprived of engagement in a Curricular Area except on the grounds of Health and Safety.

Bullying

Minor infringement of rules can be dealt with in school through the use of sanctions. Bullying is considered a serious offence. Bullying or continuous aggressive behaviour must be brought to the attention of parents who should explore with the Principal and the class teacher ways of dealing with this problem. Bullying is repeated verbal, psychological or physical aggression by an individual or group against others. The most common forms of bullying are aggressive physical contact, name-calling, intimidation, extortion, isolating and taunting. Bullying will not be tolerated and parents will be expected to co-operate with the school at all times in dealing with instances of bullying in accordance with the school’s Anti-Bullying Policy

Suspension/Expulsion

Before serious sanctions such as suspension or expulsion are used, the normal channels of communication between school and parents will be utilised. Communication with parents may be verbal or by letter depending of the circumstances. For gross misbehaviour or repeated instances of serious misbehaviour suspension may be considered. Parents concerned will be invited to come to the school to discuss their child’s case. Aggressive, threatening or violent behaviour towards a teacher or pupil will be regarded as serious or gross misbehaviour. Where suspension is being considered procedures from the National Educational Welfare Board will be followed. (Developing a Code of Behaviour Guidelines for schools Chapters 10, 11 and 12 Pages 58 - 87)

School Rules

School rules are kept to a minimum and are devised with regard for the health, safety and welfare of all members of the school community. If a school is to function efficiently, it is necessary that rules and regulations are clearly stated and enforced consistently and fairly.

Before/After School

Parents are reminded that the staff of the school does not accept responsibility for pupils before official opening time of 9.00 a.m. or after the official closing time of 1.40 p.m.

Board of Management’s Responsibilities

• Provide a comfortable, safe environment.
• Support the principal and staff in implementing the code.
• Ratify the code.

Principal’s Responsibilities

• Promote a positive climate in the school.
• Ensure that the Code is implemented in a fair and consistent manner.
• Arrange for review of the Code, as required.

Teacher’s Responsibilities

• Support and implement the school’s code of behaviour.
• Create a safe working environment for each pupil.
• Recognise and affirm good work.
• Prepare school work and correct work done by pupils.
• Recognise and provide for individual talents and differences among pupils.
• Be courteous, consistent and fair
• Keep opportunities for disruptive behaviour to a minimum.
• Deal appropriately with misbehaviour.
• Communicate with parents when necessary and provide reports on matters of mutual concern.
• Implement Behaviour Management Plans when necessary.
• Keep a record of instances of serious misbehaviour or repeated instances of misbehaviour
• Provide support for colleagues.

Pupil’s Responsibilities

• Attend school regularly and punctually.
• Listen to their teacher and act on instructions/advice.
• Show respect for all members of the school community.
• Respect all school property and the property of other pupils.
• Avoid behaving in any way which would endanger others.
• Avoid all nasty remarks, swearing and name-calling.
• Include other pupils in games and activities.
• Bring correct materials/books to school.
• Follow school and class rules.

Parents/Guardians’ Responsibilities

• Encourage children to have a sense of respect for themselves and for property.
• Ensure that children attend regularly and punctually.
• Be interested in, support and encourage their children’s school work.
• Be familiar with the code of behaviour and support its implementation.
• Co-operate with teachers in instances where their child’s behaviour is causing difficulties for others.
• Communicate with the school in relation to any problems which may affect child’s progress/behaviour.
• Ensure homework is completed Monday - Thursday

Parents and guardians have a key role to play in ensuring that students fully abide by the Coder. Accordingly it is school policy that all parents and guardians are issued with a copy of the code. High standards of behaviour and achievement are enjoyed in Naíscoil Íde, thanks to the support and co-operation of staff, parents and Board of Management. The school benefits greatly from such a relationship. This Code will be implemented in September 2009 and will be carefully monitored and will be reviewed in four years or before if necessary.

APPENDIX 1

Behaviour in the Classroom

Courtesy and respect are basic to good classroom behavior. Disrespectful behaviour towards other pupils or towards a teacher e.g. defiance, cheek, insolence, will not be tolerated. Pupils must respect the right of other pupils to learn. Any behaviour that interferes with this right e.g. constant disruption of the class or persistent distracting of others is considered unacceptable behaviour. In order that pupils benefit from the work in class, full co-operation is required from pupils at all times. Rules are discussed with pupils and displayed in each classroom. All members of staff and pupils are familiar with the following rules:

• Listen to your teacher.
• Stay in your seat.
• Put up your hand if you need help.
• Do your work quietly.
• Always tell the truth.
• Let others work without interruptions.

Behaviour around the School

• Pupils must walk quietly in corridor, going to and from yard, hall, etc.

Behaviour in the Yard

• Enjoy yourself.
• Be kind.
• Be careful.
• Show respect.

When the bell rings:

• First Bell Freeze
• Second Bell Line up

APPENDIX 2

General Routines for Assembly and Dismissal

• School will open at 9.00 a.m., when electronically timed bells will ring in all 3 yards. Pupils are requested to be in their lines at 9.00 a.m.
• Teachers will proceed immediately to the classroom with pupils.
• Pupils who come late to school may enter through the official entrance using the buzzer.
• Parents are requested to refrain from entering the school at this time. Pupils will be escorted to their classrooms by staff.
• As the school day is short it is important that all pupils attend regularly and on time and that classes are not interrupted unnecessarily by late comers.
• Class teacher or Principal must be informed if child is going home early. A record will be kept.
• Pupils are constantly reminded to remain with the class teacher until they are collected by parents or guardians at 1.40 p.m.