Behaviour for Learning (BfL)

Updated on 18th. November 2009

A Guide for Parents

Overview

BfL is a whole–school behaviour discipline system which builds on our behaviour policy and provides clarity and consistency across the whole school.

It reinforces the language of choice by ensuring that there is a defined consequence for the choices made.

Consequences

Consequences can be given in three ways:

• In the classroom – consequences are given for breaking the classroom code which is outlined in the PSN.
• By the tutor – consequences are given if students:
• Do not have a PSN (An emergency daily PSN will be issued)
• Do not have the correct equipment (a pen, a pencil and a ruler)
• Are not wearing the correct uniform or are wearing inappropriate jewellery
• Are late to tutor time

• For one–off incidents – in lessons, around the school, outside the school gate or on buses. There is more information on the sanction guidelines page.

The consequences are:

• C1 – a verbal warning
• C2 – a second verbal warning
• C3 – a 50 minute detention after school
• C4 – internal exclusion from either 9.55 a.m. to 12.50 p.m. or 1.00p.m. to 3.55 p.m. in the Internal Exclusion Centre

Further sanctions:

• C5 – internal exclusion for the day from 8.45 a.m. to 3.55 p.m.
• 1.00 p.m. – 5.00 p.m. extended day exclusion
• Fixed period exclusion
• Permanent exclusion

Procedure for a C3 or C4 Consequence

• A C3/C4 card will be written about the misbehaviour by the teacher.
• The student will write the C3 or C4 in their PSN and must show it to their parents.
• Parents will receive at least 24 Hours notice of the C3 or C4 detention
• The school will send a letter to the parents on the day of issue or as soon as possible.
• Detentions are arranged each day, Monday to Friday.
• If the student is absent, the detention will take place on the day of return.

Legal Basis for BfL

This system relies on parents supporting the school over detentions. Students must attend detentions so that all are treated equally. Education and Inspections Act 2006 gives a power for schools to enforce disciplinary penalties including detention outside school hours.

A school must, by law, give at least 24 hours written notice of a detention by any reasonable means such as sending it by post, sending a letter with a student or with a telephone call.

If a parent has a difficulty over, for example, transport arrangements, we may be able to help, so please telephone. However, it is important to insist that the detention is completed. Only then will those who break the rules come to see the error of their ways.

Rewards

Teachers will keep a record of all consequences. All students will receive one commendation for each day which is consequence free. Commendations will lead to rewards at the end of term and end of year just as they do now.

Conclusion

We believe that this clear, consistent system will support the majority of very well behaved students by moderating the poor behaviour of the minority who choose to disturb the learning of others.

The Behaviour for Learning system comes with the endorsement of all the staff, the school council and a parents' focus group.