Sanctions – A Graduated Response

Our College community is inclusive based on the underling principles of dignity and forgiveness. Our rationale is that behaviour is a choice: pupils learn that positive and negative behaviour leads to positive and negative consequences respectively. Equally important is that the policy is rooted in respect – where staff speak and act courteously to pupils and so educate pupils to show similar respect towards staff and each other. Sometimes a pupils behaviour falls short of the standards expected at EPC. When this happens, we have a graduated level of sanctions appropriate to the incident, or inappropriate behaviour.

A sanction may be issued by a member of staff where a pupil does not act safely, respectfully, or responsibly or does not accept responsibility for their actions. When determining the sanction to be issued, the member of staff will consider the pupil’s circumstances (including their age and any SEND) alongside the circumstances of the case. The sanction issued will be appropriate to the seriousness of the incident taking those factors into account.

Examples of graduated response could be as follows (although this is not an exhaustive list):

There are 3 levels of response:

Level 1: Low-Level Challenging Behaviour

At this level, behaviour is dealt with by the Classroom Teacher and any member of staff where behaviour outside of the classroom using a range of appropriate strategies / sanctions.

Level 2: Moderate Challenging Behaviour

At this level, behaviour is dealt with by the Classroom Teacher and any member of staff where behaviour outside of the classroom, however, in the case of repeated disruption at this level staff can ask for children to be removed to the HOD or a designated TLR post-holder. If this is necessary, the On Call system must be used at all times (see SLT On Call Flowchart).

Level 3: SLT Emergency On Call / High Level Challenging Behaviour

At this level, behaviour is of a serious nature that emergency on call should be used. Behaviour of this type in the classroom would be the type of behaviour that is a safeguarding concern where you or the children in your care (including the perpetrator) are at risk. SLT should be contacted using School Synergy.

The Emmaus Centre

The Emmaus Centre is part of our graduated response to behaviour concerns and gives pupils an opportunity to have time to reflect on their choices and importantly their behaviour. This opportunity for reflection allows pupils to reconcile their actions so that poor behaviour choices do not impact on their ability to attain in line with their peers nationally.

Pupils will sometimes make the wrong choices and it is our job as educators to help them reflect on how they might approach things differently next time. Therefore, whilst the Centre has strict rules, the flavour is one of restorative justice.

The Emmaus Centre is named to reflect the reconciliation journey we encourage pupils to reflect upon. Pupils will sometimes make the wrong choices and it is our job as Christian educators to help them reflect on how they might approach things differently next time. Therefore, whilst the Centre has strict rules, the flavour is one of restorative justice and reconciliation with our Pastoral staff and Chaplaincy team working closely with the Centre Manager.

Behaviour outside of the College gates

Where behaviour occurs which is not safe, respectful or responsible when a pupil is outside of the College, an appropriate sanction will be given, in line with the ‘Overview of Our Sanctions System’. This is particularly in relation to violent conduct e.g. a physical assault or bullying incidents. Pupils are encouraged to wear their College uniform correctly when travelling to and from the College and must not be involved in behaviour that could adversely affect the reputation of the College. The expectations of pupils behaving safely, respectfully, and responsibly apply to College trips and visits and the same sanctions will be used if necessary.

Reintegration Meetings

Parents/carers will be expected to attend a reintegration meeting following a suspension. The purpose will be to discuss the suspension and a way forward for the pupil with the aim of modifying their behaviour so they are safe, respectful and responsible.

Permanent Exclusion

A permanent exclusion can be issued by the Head Teacher for extreme violation of our expectations of pupils to be safe, respectful or responsible. Whilst this list is not exhaustive, the following are examples of behaviour which can result in permanent exclusion:

• serious actual or threatened physical assault against another pupil or a member of staff
• sexual harassment, sexual abuse (including online) or sexual violence
• supplying an illegal drug
• possession of an illegal drug with intent to supply
• carrying an offensive weapon (items judged by the Head Teacher to be carried with the potential to inflict injury on another individual)
• making a malicious serious false allegation against a member of staff
• potentially placing pupils, staff and members of the public in significant danger or at risk of significant harm
• persistent disruption and defiance including bullying (which could include racist or homophobic bullying) or repeated possession and/or use of an illegal drug or drug paraphernalia on school premises
• deliberate activation of the fire alarm without good intent
• repeated or serious misuse of the College computers by hacking or other activities that compromise the integrity of the computer network
• repeated verbal abuse of staff
• any other offence not listed but is, in the opinion of the Head Teacher, so serious that it warrants a permanent exclusion.

Discretion

No behaviour policy can cover all eventualities. The Head Teacher reserves the right to use their discretion, in line with this policy, to help EPC pupils make better choices. If pupils find it difficult to meet our high expectations of being safe, respectful or responsible, we will support them through appropriate reasonable adjustments and interventions.