1.1 Summarise policies and procedures relevant to promoting children and young people’s positive behaviour

This guide will help you answer 1.1 Summarise policies and procedures relevant to promoting children and young people’s positive behaviour.

Schools and other educational settings have written policies and procedures to guide staff in encouraging good behaviour among children and young people. These documents set out clear expectations for behaviour and outline how staff should respond to different situations. They provide consistency so that every child is treated fairly.

Policies are formal statements agreed by the school leadership and sometimes by governors. Procedures describe the steps staff follow to apply those policies in practice. Together they help create a safe, supportive environment where children can thrive socially and academically.

Purpose of Behaviour Policies

A behaviour policy aims to promote respect, responsibility and self-control. It should explain what behaviour is expected in different settings, such as classrooms, playgrounds and dining halls. It also explains how positive behaviour is encouraged and how unacceptable behaviour is addressed.

A strong behaviour policy supports learning because it reduces disruption. It also fosters a sense of security for pupils, knowing that rules are applied fairly.

Key Elements in Behaviour Policies

Most behaviour policies cover some common areas. These may include:

• Clear rules and expectations for pupils
• Rewards for positive behaviour
• Sanctions for inappropriate behaviour
• Roles and responsibilities of staff, parents and pupils
• Procedures for dealing with serious incidents
• Guidance for supporting pupils with behavioural difficulties

The policy should be available to staff, pupils and parents. In many schools it is published on the school website and discussed in meetings so that everyone understands it.

Procedures for Encouraging Positive Behaviour

Positive behaviour is not only about stopping negative actions. It is about creating an environment where respect and cooperation are the norm. Procedures for encouraging positive behaviour often involve:

• Praising and recognising good behaviour publicly and privately
• Using reward systems such as certificates, points or merits
• Offering opportunities for pupils to take responsibility, such as school council roles
• Modelling respectful interactions by staff
• Providing engaging lessons to keep pupils interested and focused

Consistency is critical. If staff apply rewards and consequences in the same way, it is easier for pupils to learn what is expected.

Managing Behaviour through Sanctions

Sanctions are actions taken when a pupil breaks a rule. Procedures for sanctions are set out clearly in the behaviour policy so that everyone knows what will happen. Sanctions might include:

• Verbal warnings
• Loss of privileges
• Time spent away from an activity
• Contacting parents
• In extreme cases, fixed-term or permanent exclusion

Sanctions should be proportionate to the behaviour. They should aim to help the pupil reflect and improve rather than punish harshly.

Supporting Pupils with Behavioural Needs

Some children and young people need extra support to meet behaviour expectations. Reasons can include special educational needs, emotional challenges or experiences of trauma. Policies and procedures should recognise this and provide for individual behaviour plans.

These plans may involve:

• Setting personalised targets
• Providing mentoring or counselling
• Adjusting classroom seating or routines
• Involving specialist staff, such as SENCOs
• Working closely with parents and carers

The aim is to help the pupil learn new skills for managing their own behaviour.

Role of Staff

Policies often outline the roles of different staff members. Teachers carry out everyday behaviour management in the classroom. Teaching assistants provide targeted support, helping individual pupils stay on task or manage emotions.

Senior leaders may deal with serious incidents or patterns of poor behaviour. Administrators can maintain records and communicate with parents. Every role contributes to a consistent approach.

Involving Parents and Carers

Parents and carers have a key part in supporting behaviour policies. Procedures often include ways to communicate expectations to families, such as newsletters, meetings or home-school agreements.

Regular contact between school and home can help address behaviour concerns early. Positive feedback to parents can strengthen motivation for pupils.

Anti-Bullying Policies and Procedures

Bullying is a serious issue, and most schools have a specific anti-bullying policy. This sets out:

• A definition of bullying, including physical, verbal and cyberbullying
• How pupils can report incidents
• How staff should respond to reports quickly and fairly
• Support for victims and clear consequences for those displaying bullying behaviour

Anti-bullying procedures link closely with behaviour policies, as promoting respect prevents such problems and creates a safer environment.

Safeguarding Links

Safeguarding policies are closely related to behaviour policies. Good behaviour protects pupils from harm and supports wellbeing. For example, part of managing behaviour involves preventing dangerous actions, such as aggression or abuse.

Staff must know how to recognise behaviour that may be a sign of safeguarding concerns. Procedures should make it clear who to report concerns to and how quickly.

Inclusion in Behaviour Policies

Policies should support inclusion and equality. They should recognise differences in culture, language and disability. This may mean adapting certain expectations in a way that maintains fairness and respect for all pupils.

Procedures must avoid discrimination and should follow the Equality Act 2010, which protects pupils from unfair treatment.

Recording and Monitoring Behaviour

Many schools have procedures for recording incidents of poor behaviour and positive achievements. This might be done using paper forms or online systems. Records help staff recognise patterns and measure improvements.

Monitoring allows the leadership team to assess whether the policy is working. Adjustments can be made based on trends observed in the records.

Training for Staff

Policies often state that staff receive regular training in behaviour management. This training can include strategies for de-escalating conflicts, understanding triggers for poor behaviour and using rewards effectively.

Training keeps all staff confident and consistent in applying procedures. It can also cover legal aspects and safeguarding responsibilities.

Legal Context

Behaviour policies must comply with relevant laws in the UK, including:

• Education and Inspections Act 2006
• Equality Act 2010
• Data Protection Act 2018
• Health and Safety legislation

These laws set standards for fair treatment, safety and privacy. They make sure that behaviour management respects rights while maintaining order.

Handling Serious Incidents

Procedures should describe how staff respond to incidents such as violence, theft or serious defiance. Often there are steps involving immediate action to protect safety, followed by investigation and communication with parents.

Schools may need to involve outside agencies, such as the police or social services, depending on the nature of the incident.

Promoting Emotional Wellbeing

Good behaviour policies are linked to emotional wellbeing. Children who feel valued and supported are more likely to behave positively. Procedures can include:

• Providing access to pastoral care
• Encouraging peer support systems
• Creating safe spaces for pupils to calm down
• Offering workshops on emotional regulation

Addressing behaviour involves supporting the whole child, not just focusing on rules.

Links to Curriculum

Behaviour expectations are often reinforced through lessons. Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education can teach respect, empathy and communication skills. Schools may hold assemblies or workshops on topics like respect, anti-bullying and online safety.

By linking behaviour policy to the curriculum, values are reinforced regularly.

Adapting Policies Over Time

Behaviour policies are reviewed regularly. Reviews help ensure the approach remains relevant to current needs. Staff, pupils and parents may be consulted during reviews. Updates might include new strategies for cyberbullying, mental health support or changes in legal requirements.

Flexible policies allow schools to respond to new challenges while maintaining consistency.

Final Thoughts

Promoting positive behaviour in children and young people requires a clear set of policies and well-defined procedures. These give staff, pupils and parents a shared understanding of expectations. Consistency, fairness and support are key to making behaviour policies effective.

When staff understand and use the procedures confidently, they help create a respectful, safe and productive learning environment. Positive behaviour grows when encouragement outweighs punishment and when pupils feel heard and supported. This benefits the whole school community.