Participation for positive behaviour: Newton PS

Why?

Concern over a rise in low-level disruption and awareness of a less respectful attitude by a minority of children towards each other and staff created a need for Newton PS to review its discipline policy. The school also wanted to consider its approach in meeting the needs of children with more challenging behaviour.

What?

Key to the success of Newton PS’s approach was the way in which it engaged all staff in developing the direction on behaviour, and then involved pupils and parents.

All staff were initially invited to share their ideas on the issue, after which a working group was formed and a series of assemblies and activities planned as a participative process. Children’s views were also heard. The outcome was a five-step process for promoting positive behaviour and managing misbehaviour, reflecting a rules and rewards model. Parents were informed and invited to comment on the new approach, and partnership is emphasised.

This whole school approach is complemented by targeted work to support children with more challenging behaviour. The school has introduced ‘productive play’, where children are supported by staff at lunchtimes to take part in structured activities to teach them social skills and help them to cope with feelings. This is understood as an opportunity to build relationships with vulnerable children and move towards integration, rather than as a response to bad behaviour.

Factfile

Newton Primary School is in Dunblane and has a roll of 400 pupils.

Want to know more?...contact Isobel Gallacher, DHT, newtonps@stirling.gov.uk