New guidance setting out a range of approaches for schools to
consider when responding to behaviour has been published.
Developed with input from headteachers, teaching unions, local
government and educational psychologists, the guidance promotes
building positive relationships and behaviour across the whole
school community. It focuses on improving outcomes by reinforcing
positive behaviour and working to reduce the likelihood of
negative behaviour occurring in future.
Various approaches are available to schools, ranging from
classroom management approaches, to support strategies and the
use of exclusion as a last resort.
The guidance has been developed in collaboration with the
Scottish Advisory Group on Relationships and Behaviour in Schools
(SAGRABIS), which is jointly chaired with COSLA, to reflect that
it is local government who have the responsibility for delivering
education in Scotland.
During a visit to St Brendan's Primary School in Motherwell,
Education Secretary met with teachers and
parents to understand the importance of building positive
relationships within schools.
Ms Gilruth said:
The majority of children and young people behave well in school,
but where someone needs support with their behaviour, it is
important that schools can respond in ways that are appropriate,
supportive and respond to the needs of each individual child.
Evidence clearly shows young people need structure and boundaries
to support their development and having predictable consequences
helps them to feel safe.
“Responding to behaviour in our schools requires all members of
the school community – staff, children and young people and
parents and carers – to work together to identify the values that
underpin school life, how this translates into expectations of
behaviour, and to support appropriate responses. We want to
create a strong partnership between home and school to help
create a consistent, supportive environment where children feel
safe, respected, and are better able to learn and thrive.
“This guidance takes account of the concerns about behaviour I
have heard from teachers, support staff and teaching unions, and
will be an important tool in ensuring that they are properly
supported in our schools.”
Maura Oates, headteacher at St Brendan's Primary school said:
"Here in St. Brendan's Primary we consistently work hard to
ensure the care and wellbeing needs of children and their
families are met with warmth, care and consideration. We feel
that this results in a calm, relaxed and nurturing environment
where children are respectful, supportive and kind to each
other."
"Our values are evident across the school as we are committed to
ensuring very high standards for all children. We consulted all
children, parents and staff when creating our vision, values and
aims. Our aims reflect Gospel values and the UNCRC. These shared
values are evident across the school and are developed across the
curriculum. We have a very good understanding of the
socio-economic context of the school and its place within the
community."
Background
This is the latest commitment to be delivered through the joint
Relationships and Behaviour in
schools action plan with COSLA.
Guidance is clear that exclusion should only be used as a last
resort, where proportionate and there is no appropriate
alternative.
Guidance on risk assessments will support schools to consider how
they manage the risk of harm occurring, or a pattern of behaviour
that causes, or is likely to cause, harm to self or others.
Guidance on fostering positive,
inclusive and safe school environments.
Risk assessment guidance for
violent, aggressive and dangerous behaviour.
