Rewards and Sanctions

In order to create a positive learning environment, we aim to establish a healthy balance between rewards and sanctions. Staff encourage children to behave appropriately, and deal calmly and consistently with unacceptable behaviour for learning. To achieve good standards of behaviour and conduct, staff deal with behaviour issues as and when they occur, if necessary involving other members of staff. Unacceptable behaviour for learning will not be ignored or condoned. Recognition, praise and encouragement are used as much as possible in all situations.

Reward

Our emphasis is on rewards to reinforce good behaviour, achievement and effort. We believe that rewards have a motivational role, helping children to see that good behaviour is valued.

Most negative incidents during lessons are managed by the class teacher. However, from time to time, it’s likely that immediate support will be needed, so staff will involve the Pastoral Team or Senior Leadership Team where appropriate. In some instances, the Pastoral Team may be required to support pupils in order to take ‘time-out’ if they are impacting upon their own or others learning.   In exceptional circumstances ‘Negatives’ may be awarded which would result in loss of social time and other privileges on a Friday afternoon.  Where necessary a child’s parents will be informed, and expected to support and work in partnership with the school to address and improve the unacceptable behaviour being displayed.

Positive Behaviour Management

We pride ourselves at Dove House on providing a safe learning environment for our pupils. Sometimes, some of our children may get anxious or agitated – we will do our best to help pupils to calm down using communication skills, distraction techniques and removing triggers where possible.

Individualised Behaviour Plans (IBP)

Pupils with designated behavioural needs have an individualised support plan.

This has personalised targets that seeks to improve their behaviour.

These targets are recorded and monitored by the pupil’s tutor.

Bullying

At Dove House School we are all very aware that the consequences of bullying can be severe in terms of a young person’s mental well-being, attitudes towards school, educational attainment and even potential suicide risk. It is for this reason that we treat every incident of bullying extremely seriously.

The widely accepted definition of bullying is:

The persistent behaviour by an individual or group with the intention of verbally, physically, or emotionally harming another person or group.

Sadly, bullying can happen to anyone and types of bullying include:

  • Bullying related to race, religion or culture
  • Bullying related to special educational needs
  • Bullying related to appearance or health conditions
  • Bullying related to sexual orientation
  • Bullying of young carers or looked after children or otherwise related to home circumstances
  • Sexist or sexual bullying

 

Bullying is generally characterised by:

  • Repetition: Incidents are not one-offs; they are frequent and happen over a period of time.
  • Intent: The perpetrator(s) means to cause verbal, physical or emotional harm; it is not accidental.
  • Targeting: Bullying is generally targeted at a specific individual or group.
  • Power imbalance: Whether real or perceived, bullying is generally based on unequal power relations

Conflict vs Bullying

At Dove House we teach the children to recognise the difference.  Bullying can often be an incorrectly used term to describe conflict.  Conflict being a disagreement or argument.  It’s natural for pupils to sometimes feel overwhelmed with big emotions when they encounter a friendship problem. Sometimes a small disagreement feels like a huge issue.    At Dove House when conflicts occur, our aim is to develop conflict resolutions skills through restorative practice based on developing empathy, practicing talking about feelings and problem solving.   A process where children’s voices are heard and a focus on repairing the harm and making things right.

Positive relationships are among the most important elements in creating a productive and safe classroom where individual needs are met and a sense of community is developed.

At Dove House we need to understand the difference, and understand how we can work together to be a bully free school

When dealing with bullying our priorities are:

The Victim

  • To make the victim feel safe
  • Support the needs of the victim
  • Listen to the victim and the impact on their lives

The Bullying

  • To stop the bullying and change the bully’s behaviour
  • To make it clear to every other child that bullying is unacceptable
  • To learn lessons from the experience that can be applied in the future

Next steps:

Whilst it is vital that sanctions are imposed, it is equally, if not more important to re-educate the bully and we use a number of strategies to do this including:

  • Restorative justice
  • Encouraging the bully to reflect upon the consequences of their actions