St Andrews' Policies

LINKS WITH PARENTS POLICY

The School is keen to have links with parents and sees the education and development of the individual child as a joint responsibility.

Regular updates on pupils’ progress are made to parents both in the form of written reports and via parents’ consultation evenings.

In between these fixed points: -

  • Parents are encouraged to let the School know if they have concerns about their child, either academic or pastoral. Initially such concerns should be raised with the child’s Form Tutor or the subject teacher concerned. If the concern continues, parents should contact the Head of Nursery, Junior , in the case of the Senior School the Deputy Head. If the matter is still unable to be resolved, then parents should contact the Headmaster.
  • In the event of serious or urgent concerns, a parent may contact the Headmaster or Deputy Head direct.
  • Should the School have concerns about a child’s progress or well being, those concerns will be shared with parents, except in an extreme case where Child Protection Procedures apply.
  • The School welcomes the existence of the Parents’ Association and its contribution to the School Community.
  • The School undertakes to keep parents informed of arrangements and general information. To this end, the Headmaster issues a regular newsletter and a termly Calendar of Events is sent to all parents.
  • To aid communication, the vast majority of letters to parents are issued on a fixed day of the week. Letters that need to be sent home at other times will either go via the post or have a reply slip attached.
  • Where parents are living separately, copies of letters are sent home with the child and also, by post, to the parent with whom the child does not reside for the greater part of the time. Copies of School Reports and invitations to Parents’ Consultation Evening are also issued in this way. The only exception to this is where a parent is excluded by a Court Order from having contact with his/her child. The fact a parent does not contribute to the child’s fees does not exclude them from their right to be informed about their child’s progress and arrangements pertaining to their child.
  • In all matters, the School welcomes the views of parents and, where appropriate, will take those views into account in any decision-making. Parents are free to contact the Headmaster and/or the Governors to express their views. The Governors issue a yearly report giving details of their work and their thoughts on the future development of the School.
  • On proposed Whole School changes, parents are consulted.

ANTI-BULLYING POLICY

Aim

The aim of the anti-bullying policy is to ensure that pupils learn in a supportive, caring and safe environment without fear of being bullied.

Objective

To ensure that all members of the school community understand what bullying is and their duty to take action, proactive and reactive, to create an environment in which bullying is not tolerated.

Definition

Bullying is anti-social behaviour and affects everyone; it is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Only when all issues of bullying are addressed will pupils be able to fully benefit from the opportunities available at schools.

Bullying is defined as deliberately hurtful behaviour, repeated over a period of time, where it is difficult for those being bullied to defend themselves.

The three main types of bullying are:

  • physical (hitting, kicking, theft)
  • verbal (name calling, racist remarks)
  • indirect (spreading rumours, rude or intimidating looks or gestures, excluding someone from social groups)

Other types of bullying are:

  • Extortion or threats
  • Interfering with another’s property
  • Generating fear

Bullying includes racial, religious, cultural, sexual/sexist, homophobic, disability and cyber bullying (social websites, mobile phones, text messages, photographs and emails.)

Bullying causes feelings of distress, fear, loneliness and lack of confidence in those who are at the receiving end. Serious psychological damage can result, leading to suicide in some cases.

Pupils who are being bullied may show changes in behaviour, such as becoming shy and nervous, feigning illness, taking unusual absences or clinging to adults. There may be evidence of changes in work patterns, lacking concentration or truanting from school.

Pupils must be encouraged to report bullying. Teaching and support staff must be alert to the signs of bullying and act promptly and firmly against it in accordance with school policy.

Statutory duty of schools

Headteachers have a legal duty under the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 to draw up procedures to prevent bullying among pupils and to bring these procedures to the attention of staff, parents and pupils.

Implementation

Teaching Staff

The following steps may be taken when dealing with incidents:

  • if bullying is suspected or reported, the incident will be dealt with immediately by the member of staff who has been approached
  • a clear account of the incident will be recorded and given to the headteacher
  • The headteacher will interview all concerned and will record the incident
  • Form tutors will be kept informed and if it persists the form tutor will advise the appropriate subject teachers
  • parents will be kept informed
  • punitive measures will be used as appropriate and in consultation will all parties concerned.
Pupils

Pupils who have been bullied will be supported by:

  • offering an immediate opportunity to discuss the experience with a form tutor or member of staff of their choice
  • reassuring the pupil
  • offering continuous support
  • restoring self-esteem and confidence.

Pupils who have bullied will be helped by:

  • discussing what happened
  • discovering why the pupil became involved
  • establishing the wrong doing and need to change
  • informing parents or guardians to help change the attitude of the pupil.

The following disciplinary steps can be taken:

  • official warnings to cease offending
  • detention
  • exclusion from certain areas of school premises
  • minor fixed-term exclusion
  • major fixed-term exclusion
  • permanent exclusion

Staff awareness of bullying will be raised through training.

Bullying is more likely to take place at times and in places where pupils experience more freedom. It is important that staff on duty are alert to this and actively monitor pupils’ behaviour. Records of bullying incidents will be reviewed to identify common times or places and appropriate action taken.

Within the curriculum the school will raise the awareness of the nature of bullying through inclusion in PSHE, form tutorial time, assemblies and subject areas, such as Drama, as appropriate, in an attempt to eradicate such behaviour.

Monitoring, evaluation and review

The school will review this policy annually and assess its implementation and effectiveness. The policy will be promoted and implemented throughout the school.

CODE OF CONDUCT

CARE – COURTESY – CO-OPERATION

This policy applies equally to every member of the school community, whatever her / his age or position.

At. St Andrew’s School:

  • We will, at all times treat each other with politeness, courtesy and respect.
  • We will endeavour to do our best at all times, i.e. in our work, in our behaviour, in our appearance and in the language we use.
  • We will be honest at all times with ourselves and each other.
  • We will listen to each other
  • We acknowledge the right of everyone to learn.
  • We will arrive punctually and fully prepared for lessons.
  • We will endeavour to complete all work on time.
  • We will think at all times about the safety of all members of the school community.
  • We will care for the school, including the grounds and all equipment by treating it with care and respect.

The guidelines in this policy statement should enable the school to run smoothly and for pupils to feel confident in their dealings with staff and vice-versa. They should also ensure that all the resources of the school are used productively to enable all pupils to achieve their best.

COMPLAINTS

The School aims to provide high quality teaching and pastoral care to its pupils. However, if parents do have a complaint, they can expect it to be treated by the School in accordance with this Procedure. This policy is available to the parents of pupils and of prospective pupils at the school. It is published on the website and a hard copy can be obtained from the school office.

Stage 1 – Informal Resolution

  • It is hoped that most complaints and concerns will be resolved quickly and informally.

    Complaints in the Nursery and Reception will be dealt with according to ofsted guidance. Parents in the Nursery and Reception can make a complaint to ofsted if they wish. The Contact details are Ofsted, National Business Unit, Royal Exchange Building, Manchester, M2 7LA. Helpline 08456404040. www.ofsted.govt.uk/parents.
  • If parents in Nursery have a complaint, they should normally contact the Nursery Manager. If the situation is not resolved or if the complaint is about the Nursery Manager, the matter should be referred to the Head of the Junior School. Complaints in the Nursery will be dealt with according to ofsted guidance.
  • If parents in Reception have a complaint, they should normally contact the Reception teacher. If the situation is not resolved or the complaint is about the Reception teacher, the matter should be referred to the Head of the Junior School.
  • If parents in Junior School, Years 1 to 6 have a complaint, they should normally contact their child's Class Teacher. If the situation is not resolved or if the complaint is about the Class Teacher, the matter should be referred to the Head of the Junior School.
  • If parents in Senior School have a complaint relating to the welfare of their daughter they should normally contact their daughter's Form Teacher. If the situation is not resolved or if the complaint is about the Form Teacher, the matter should be referred to the Head of Senior School. If the complaint relates to reaching, parents should normally contact the Subject Teacher concerned. If the situation is not resolved the matter should be referred to the Head of Subject or the Deputy Headteacher.
  • The Key Worker / Class Teacher / Form Teacher / Subject Teacher / Subject Head will make a written record of all concerns and complaints and the date on which they were received. Should the matter not be resolved within two weeks, or longer if agreed by both parties, or in the event that the Form Teacher / Subject Teacher and the parent fail to reach a satisfactory resolution then parents will be advised to proceed with their complaint, within Stage 1 to the next level as stated above.
  • Complaints made directly to the Head of Junior School / Head of Senior School / the Deputy Headteacher / the Headmaster will usually be referred to the relevant Form Teacher / Subject Teacher unless the Head of Department / the Deputy Headteacher / the Headmaster deems it appropriate for him / her to deal with the matter personally.

Stage 2 – Formal Resolution

  • If the complaint cannot be resolved on an informal basis, then the parents should put their complaint in writing to the Headmaster. The Headmaster will decide, after considering the complaint, the appropriate course of action to take.
  • In most cases, the Headmaster will speak with the parents concerned, normally within two working days of receiving the complaint, to discuss the matter. If possible, a resolution will be reached at this stage.
  • It may be necessary for the Headmaster to carry out further investigations.
  • The Headmaster will keep written records of all meetings and interviews held in relation to the complaint.
  • Once the Headmaster is satisfied that, so far as is practicable, all of the relevant facts have been established, a decision will be made and parents will be informed of this decision in writing. The Headmaster will also give reasons for his decision.
  • If parents are still not satisfied with the decision, they should proceed to Stage 3 of this Procedure.

Stage 3 – Panel Hearing

  • If parents seek to invoke Stage 3 (following failure to reach an earlier resolution), they will be referred to the Convenor (Mr. K. Sanders), who has been appointed by the Governors to call hearings of the Complaints Panel.
  • The matter will then be referred to the Complaints Panel for consideration. The Panel will consist of at least three persons not directly involved in the matters detailed in the complaint, one of whom shall be independent of the management and running of the School. Each of the Panel members shall be appointed by the Convenor. The Convenor (Mr. K. Sanders), on behalf of the panel, will then acknowledge the complaint and schedule a hearing to take place as soon as practicable and normally within 14 days.
  • If the Panel deems it necessary, it may require that further particulars of the complaint or any related matter be supplied in advance of the hearing. Copies of such particulars shall be supplied to all parties not later than three working days prior to the hearing.
  • The parents may be accompanied to the hearing by one other person. This may be a relative, teacher or friend. Legal representation will not normally be appropriate.
  • If possible, the Panel will resolve the parents’ complaint immediately without the need for further investigation.
  • Where further investigation is required, the Panel will decide how it should be carried out. After due consideration of all facts they consider relevant, the Panel will reach a decision and may make recommendations, which it shall complete within 7 days of the Hearing. The Panel will write to the parents informing them of its decision and the reasons for it. The decision of the Panel will be final. The Panel’s findings and, if any, recommendations, will be sent in writing to the parents, the Headmaster, the Governors and, where relevant, the person complained of.

This policy provides for a written record is kept of all complaints and of whether they are resolved at the preliminary stage or proceed to a panel hearing.

Parents can be assured that all concerns and complaints will be treated seriously and confidentially. Correspondence, statements and records will be kept confidential except where the secretary of state or a body conducting an inspection under section 162A of the 2002 Act, as amended, requests access to them.

HEALTHY EATING POLICY

This policy reflects government guidelines and the standards as set out in the Bedfordshire Healthy Schools Scheme with regard to healthy eating. We believe that food has a significant role to play in determining the health and well being of all individuals.

At St Andrew’s we endeavour to help pupils develop a positive attitude to healthy eating and encourage healthy eating patterns within the school community and beyond.

Aims

  1. To encourage pupils, parents and staff to opt for healthier snacks and packed lunches.
  2. To help pupils and staff to understand the importance of a healthy and safe diet in the context of a healthy lifestyle.
  3. To ensure that everyone understands what healthier choices are.

Objectives

  • A "Healthy School" task group to promote and encourage healthy eating initiatives.
  • A planned programme of food and nutrition will be delivered as part of the spiral curriculum.
  • Healthier Eating will be promoted in a consistent way by all teaching and non-teaching adults in the school.
  • Pupils and staff will be treated with equal respect in dining areas and encouraged to eat socially.
  • Suitable facilities will be available for pupils and staff to eat packed lunches.
  • Pupils and staff will have access to drinking water.
  • The Senior School Tuck Shop will aim to provide some healthier options that are actively promoted e.g. fruit and cereal bars.
  • Ideas for healthy break-time snacks will be listed in the parent’s handbook.
  • To provide pupils in the Prep Dept. with the opportunity to buy a healthy ‘in-house’ snack at break-time e.g. slice of wholemeal toast
  • Healthier packed lunches will be actively encouraged.
  • To produce a school ‘Lunch-Box Book’ with ideas, information and recipes for healthy packed lunches.
  • To offer students in Years 10 & 11 opportunities to purchase, in school, a healthy lunch. These ‘trial’ lunches will help the school to ascertain the feasibility of offering them on a regular basis. Give Senior Girls the opportunity to buy ‘in house’ healthy lunch once per week.
  • Sweets as treats will not be used to reward.
  • Food provided for school functions will aim to meet healthier eating criteria. All educational materials related to food will be assessed for accuracy and updated
  • This policy will be monitored by the Healthy School Task Group and reviewed as appropriate.

INTERNATIONAL POLICY

Rationale:

The governors and staff recognise that:

  • Global issues are an important part of the lives of our students living in a world where economies are increasingly interdependent and global communication is a daily reality. Our students have access to the internet and increased opportunity to travel, watch news stories from around the world, as they develop and follow for example, international sporting events as they happen.
  • The global dimension should be reflected in the attitudes and values of our students, the ethos of the school, the Programmes of Study and Key Skills.
  • Through the inclusion of an international focus, we are able to offer to our pupils, a range of experiences that will enhance their learning and raise awareness of their national and international identity.

Objectives:

  • To provide an informed awareness of countries, cultures and languages other than our own.
  • To encourage greater involvement in environmental issues.
  • To develop curiosity about other cultures.
  • To enable children, staff and governors to experience daily life in other countries.
  • To promote the use of ICT in meaningful contexts for the development of communication skills.
  • To provide an added opportunity for the promotion of equal opportunities, racial equality and Citizenship.
  • To develop and fully exploit a variety of global learning partnerships. This will include activities such as:
    1. E-mail and internet projects.
    2. Interacting with visitors from other countries (students & adults)
    3. Student/staff visits to places of cultural interest in the UK and abroad.
    4. Students exchanges and foreign work experience placements.
  • To actively encourage the study of foreign languages for all our students by offering a range of appropriate language options.
  • To organise regular celebrations of our rich and diverse heritage.

SAFEGUARDING POLICY

At St. Andrew’s School, we are committed to promoting the welfare, health, safety and guidance of every child, by providing a caring environment in which we listen to each other.  This policy is in accordance with the agreed inter-agency procedures of the Bedfordshire Safeguarding Children Board and made available to parents on the school website.  A paper copy is available from the school office.


Aims of the Policy

We will create a supportive environment in which:

  • Children feel safe and secure
  • Staff are perceptive and feel able to instigate appropriate action in any situation they encounter
  • Staff have an understanding of the possible signs and symptoms of child abuse
  • The procedure for raising concerns internally or externally is fully understood.

 

The following Whole School approach will be encouraged:

  • We will promote an ethos in which children feel secure, their viewpoints valued, where they are encouraged to talk and they are listened to, and where their self-esteem is built.
  • We will provide suitable support and guidance so that children have appropriate adults whom they feel confident to approach if they are in difficulties.
  • We will work with parents to build an understanding of the School’s responsibility to ensure the welfare of all children.

 

Staff will

  • Undergo induction and subsequent, regular training in Safeguarding Children matters.
  • Have their attention drawn to:

“The Safeguarding Children Manual of Procedures” – available in the main school office.
“What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused” (DfES 2003) – available in staff rooms in each part of the School.

The designated person for Safeguarding Children and liaising with local statutory children’s agencies in Reception to Year 11 is the Headmaster, Mr S P Skehan.  Ofsted will be informed within 14 days of any allegations of serious harm or abuse by any person working or looking after children in Reception and of the action taken. 

The designated practitioner who takes lead responsibility for Safeguarding Children and liaising with local statutory children’s agencies in the Nursery (EYFS setting) is the Nursery Manager, Emma Niro.  Ofsted will be informed within 14 days of any allegations of serious harm or abuse by any person working or looking after children in the Nursery and of the action taken.

There is a designated governor for Safeguarding Children, Mr Roger Willis

Implementation of the Policy

All staff should be vigilant in being aware of anything that may constitute grounds for concern about abuse of a child.  All concerns should be passed on to the designated person without delay.

Abuse may be one or a combination of:

Physical abuse
Emotional abuse
Sexual abuse
Neglect
Witnessing domestic violence

Concerns may arise from:

Statements made by the child, stories, ‘news’, drawings, etc
Information from others
Marks on a child’s body
Unusual/different behaviour
Mood changes
Change in pattern of attendance

If a member of staff has concerns that a child may be being abused, those concerns should be passed, without delay, to the designated person for Years R to 11 or for the Nursery.  The member of staff should not question the child or discuss their concerns with other staff or with the child’s parents/carers. 

If a child discloses abuse to a member of staff, the child should be allowed to say what they want to say but should not be asked for further information.  The member of staff must avoid asking leading questions. 

The disclosure should be written up without delay and brought to the attention of the designated person, again without discussing it with anyone else.  The information should be recorded in factual, non-emotive, non-judgemental terms, with notes of the time, date and context of the events disclosed.  Before making a disclosure, the child may ask for an assurance of confidentiality.  Staff should be aware of and ready to respond in line with the following general principles.

  1. If a child makes a disclosure, the child should be kept informed of who knows and why.  Children will often seek a promise that a disclosure is made in confidence.  Such a promise cannot be given.  There is an overriding duty to protect a child from abuse, and all abuse must be reported
  2. Teachers should not, in any circumstances, remove a child’s clothing.  They should only note those marks, which they have noticed, or which have been brought to their attention by the child.  No further examination should be carried out.
  3. All staff should be aware that personal information about a child and his/her family is confidential and should only be given to an appropriate person.
  4. The School accepts that other staff need know only enough to prepare them to act with sensitivity to a distressed child.
  5. If there is a threat to a child’s safety and welfare, all staff may have to be alerted to watch for signs of abuse.
  6. If staff hear worrying information about children from other parents, neighbours or even other children, this should be passed on to the designated person.

Recording of Concerns

The designated person will maintain cumulative summary sheets (Chronology Sheets) for children over whom concerns are raised.  Notes of all concerns will be kept with the Chronology Sheet.  These records will be kept in a locked file in the Headmaster’ office.  Concerns about issues to do with Safeguarding Children must not be kept in the child’s file in the office or in the teacher’s own files.

If concerns continue and are such that the child is considered to be “in need” the designated person will make a referral to the appropriate outside agency, where possible with the knowledge and consent of the parent/carer, and where this will not place the child at increased risk. 

In the event of a disclosure or suspicion of abuse where the child is “at risk” identified the school will report the matter within 24 hours to the relevant welfare agency e.g. the Bedfordshire Safeguarding Board, social services, or duty officer of the Emergence Duty Team.  

Contact details
Bedfordshire Safeguarding Board
LSCB Administrator
7 Stephenson Court
Fraser Road
Priory Business Park
Bedford MK44 3WJ
01234 276797
www.bedfordshirelscb.org.uk

Bedfordshire Borough Council
Children’s Services
childrensservices@bedford.gov.uk
01234 363222
North Bedfordshire Social Care
01234 223599
Emergency Duty Team
08702385465

Safeguarding Children Training for Staff

  1. The designated persons, the Head and Nursery Manager, will be trained in child protection and inter-agency working, up-dated every two years.
  2. New staff (including temporary staff) will have their attention drawn to the School’s Safeguarding Children policy by the Head or Deputy Head, as appropriate.
  3. All staff will receive Safeguarding Children training at least every three years. Part-time and voluntary staff who work with children will be made aware of the arrangements by the Head of Deputy Head.

Appointment of Staff/Volunteers

The school operates safe recruitment procedures.  Staff appointments are subject to identity checks, clearance under the enhanced CRB checks and compliance with the Independent School Standards Regulations, satisfactory references, the satisfactory explanation of any gaps in employment history and the satisfactory completion of a medical questionnaire indicating their fitness to teach, with the provision for ‘reasonable adjustments’ to be made in the case of a disabled person’s being appointed.

From November 2010 new staff will have to register with the ISA. The Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) commenced operation on 20 January 2009

From 1 January 2010 all interview panels have to include at least one interviewer who has undergone Safer Recruitment Training.

Volunteers/helpers will be checked according to the ISA requirements.

Reporting Leavers to the ISA
The school is required to report to the ISA, within one month of leaving the school any person (whether employed, contracted, a volunteer or a student) whose services are no longer used because he or she is considered unsuitable to work with children.  .  Referrals - PO Box 181, Darlington, DL1 9FA.  T: 0300 123 1111)

Allegations of Abuse made against members of staff/volunteers/headteacher

If an allegation of abuse is made by a child/parent against a member of staff or volunteer, the adult hearing the allegation should listen, without asking for further information and without promising confidentiality.  A written, dated record of the allegation should be made as soon as possible and certainly within 24 hours.  If the member of staff hearing the allegation is not the Head, the matter must be reported to the Head without delay. 

If the allegation is made against the Head, the member of staff hearing it should report to the Chair of Governors. 

On receiving the allegation, the Head (or Chair of Governors) will, within 24 hours, contact the School’s legal advisers and the Safeguarding Children agencies and follow their direction as to whether it is appropriate to suspend the member of staff against whom the allegation has been made and what other actions should be taken.

Unless directed otherwise by the Safeguarding Children agencies, the Head (or Chair of Governors) will:

  1. Inform the child/parent making the allegation of the likely course of action.
  2. Inform the teacher against whom the allegation is made and explain the likely course of action.
  3. Inform the Chair of Governors. (except in cases of allegations against the Head)

It is possible that an investigation would be undertaken by the police, social services or NSPCC, under local Safeguarding Children procedures.  Any such investigation would take precedence over an internal investigation under the School’s disciplinary procedures.

If the teacher against whom the allegation is made is suspended, the teacher should be encouraged to seek legal help/support from their Teachers’ Association or a solicitor and arrangements should be made for the teacher to be contacted with information by the School.

Support will be made available to the child/parent making the allegation and to other staff and pupils as appropriate. 

In all of this, confidentiality for all parties involved will be maintained as far as possible.  Any requests for comment from the media will be dealt with by the Chair of Governors.

Allegation of Abuse made by one or more pupils against another pupil.
The school would apply the anti-bullying policy.  If this is not sufficient, contact will be made with Bedfordshire Borough Council Children’s Services

Guidance to Staff
Staff should always be aware of their behaviour and their actions.  They should not place themselves or pupils at risk of harm or of allegations of harm to a pupil.  For example;

    1. being alone in a classroom with a child when the door is closed, especially if door has no window.
    2. In one to one tuition
    3. Individual sports coaching
    4. Accompanying a child to the toilet and standing in a closed cubicle with them, even if they are feeling sick or ill.
    5. Being in the area of the School alone with a child.
    6. Engaging in inappropriate electronic communication, e.g. giving pupils their personal landline, mobile telephone numbers or e-mail addresses (or asking pupils for either of these), contacting on social networking sites.
    7. Conveying pupils in your own car
    8. Being alone in the minibus with one pupil.
    9. Giving pupils gifts.
    10. Socialising with pupils.
    11. Touching/ patting/hugging.

Staff should think carefully about the types of conversations, or written exchanges they have with pupils to prevent words or actions being misconstrued by either pupils or their parents.  Teachers who work with children on a one to one basis should be extra vigilant.  If it is necessary to touch pupils for purpose of teaching e.g. positioning hands on a keyboard, the member of staff is advised to tell the pupil just before doing so, so that the pupil has a chance to refuse the action.

If staff find that a pupil is making what could be considered inappropriate contact with them by phone, e-mail or social networking site, they should discourage it immediately and report it to the Headmaster as soon as possible for their own protection.

Other Organisations used by the School
The school obtains assurance from organisations it uses, e.g. study centres, that appropriate child protection checks and procedures apply to any staff employed by that organisation and working with the school’s pupils on another site.

Power to Restrain Pupils

Although teachers may not use corporal punishment as a disciplinary sanction, they may use such force as is reasonable to prevent a pupil from:

  1. Committing a criminal offence
  2. Injuring themselves or others
  3. Damaging property, including their own
  4. Behaving in a way, which is prejudicial to the good discipline and order of the School whether in the classroom or elsewhere where the teacher has lawful control of a pupil.

Reasonable Force

There is no legal definition of what constitutes “reasonable force”.  It is the circumstances of a particular incident which warrant the use of force and to use physical force to prevent a trivial misdemeanour or when other means would be appropriate could not be justified.  Moreover, the degree of force must be in proportion to the incident and the minimum to achieve the desired result.  Examples of situations which fall into the categories above when the use of “reasonable force” might be justified include:

  1. Violent behaviour by a pupil such as fighting or attacking a member of staff or another pupil
  2. Acts of vandalism
  3. Behaviour by a pupil, such as rough play, the misuse of objects or running in the corridors, which is likely to cause personal injury or damage to property
  4. Refusal by a disruptive pupil to leave a classroom.

Teachers are urged to exercise great caution in the use of force and always try to use other means to resolve a situation.  This is particularly important where the enforcement of good order is the motive and there is no risk to person or property.  The view is expressed that to use force to achieve compliance with instructions given by a member of staff becomes increasingly inappropriate, as the pupils get older.  Staff should not act in a way which might cause pain or injury, eg by striking, holding a pupil around the neck, pulling hair or ears or holding a child by the arms so tightly that it leaves marks or bruises in any way which might be considered indecent.

If it is necessary for physical restraint to be used, the member of staff should make a written record of the incident as soon as possible afterwards (within 24 hours) and bring it to the attention of the Head.

Monitoring and Evaluation
The Governing body will take an annual review of the school’s child protection policies and procedures and of the efficiency, with which the related duties have been discharged.

Deficiencies or weakness in safeguarding children arrangements will be remedied as soon as they are detected.

Other policies held by the School that relate to Safeguarding Children:

Bullying
Health and Safety
Sex and Relationships Education