Our Rules & Behaviour Code
Behaviour Policy:
Silchester is blessed to be a school with such lovely and caring children. The vast majority of behaviours noted are positive and deserve praise. It is worth mentioning the caveat that our behaviour policy principles will work for 90% of children. Those with additional needs may require a more bespoke approach. We must put the needs of the individual children first and will therefore adjust and accommodate to suit the children; being fair is not always the same as equal. Our decisions are made through knowing the children, understanding their needs and developing positive relationships.
Key Principles:
We believe that behaviour is a form of communication. All behaviours are linked to our social understanding and emotional development. Consistent and clear boundaries help everyone to feel safe and are necessary for positive social interaction as well as conducive to academic learning.
Silchester School Rules:
• We are kind.
• We are safe.
• We are respectful.
Rewards:
Children at Silchester show kindness and respect daily. We want to reward and praise this behaviour and will do so in a multitude of ways including:
• Specific verbal praise noting the behaviours we wish to promote.
• House points – recorded individually in their own passports. Certificates for 100 house points (Bronze), 200 house points (Silver), 300 house points (Gold) – this year, we have even needed to create Platinum, Diamond and Emerald awards!
• House points - also recorded in their house teams for house captains to collate and be presented with a ribboned cup every Friday.
• Special Silchester Bronze and Silver Award stickers given by class teachers for positive efforts, values, work or behaviour.
• Gold Award Stickers for exceptional reasons given by Head of School.
• Silchester Star certificates – awarded weekly for values or learning behaviours.
• Values Awards – at the end of every term we will present special values awards and associated treats for a student from each class who always exemplifies our values. This year, the Head of School has taken our Values Award winners to the ‘pop-up’ café for hot chocolates and ice-creams!
Consequences:
The word discipline is linked to the word disciple and its meaning is of instruction, knowledge and learning. In short, consequences are not the same thing as punishments. They are in place to teach. Making mistakes is part of growth and development and often brings about a great opportunity to learn. We always give children the opportunity to turn their behaviour around and make the right choice. We use consistent language with the children outlined in the bubble:
The card system is in place to give a clear, visual representation. It is metaphorical – no physical cards are given. A member of staff may ‘issue’ a white card to give children the opportunity to turn their behaviour around and make the right choice. This is just an uptake of time and gives all children opportunity to learn self-awareness and correct either independently or with support. If a child cannot turn their behaviour around, or it impacts on others, a yellow card is given. This will result in the child having a timeout or missing 5 minutes of their playtime. A red card is a step up again and will result in 10 minutes of playtime missed and reflection with a member of the senior leadership team using our Reflect & Repair Sheets below.
Communication about behaviour:
Small incidents of behaviour happen all day, every day, across the country. This is just part of childhood (and adulthood sometimes!) We will therefore not contact parents about every incident that occurs and is addressed at school. We aim to manage this within school and start clean slates every day. We will keep a record of any yellow or red cards given to monitor and note any patterns that occur. Should your child be involved with either multiple minor incidents or a serious incident, we will of course inform parents and invite them in for discussion about how best we can support. If you are ever concerned about your child’s behaviour, please do make an appointment to speak with the class teachers in the first instance
