Code of Behaviour
St. Columba's NS Code of Behaviour
The school has a central role in the children’s social, emotional and moral development, as well as their academic development. In seeking to define acceptable standards of behaviour, it is
acknowledged that these are goals to be worked towards; however, all pupils are expected tomake a consistent effort to meet these standards.
Children bring a wide variety of behaviour to school. As a community, the school requires standards of behaviour based on honesty, respect, consideration and responsibility.
Children need clear limits in order to feel secure and to develop the skills for co-operation. Rules and expectations will be age-appropriate, clearly communicated and consistently applied.
A Code of Behaviour is established to ensure that the individuality of each child is respected while also protecting the right of every child to learn in a safe, orderly and disruption-free environment.
Principles:
St. Columba’s school is a Catholic primary school which seeks to ensure that all children are
educated and nurtured in an environment that is caring, considerate and tolerant.
St. Columba’s school helps children to develop skills, attitudes and values that will bring the greatest happiness and fulfilment to their lives.
We seek to develop children morally, socially, physically and cognitively to the best of their ability.
We prioritise the safety, security and wellbeing of all pupils as a prerequisite to their growth and development.
Legislative and Policy Context
This policy has been developed in line with:
● Education Act 1998
● Education (Welfare) Act 2000
● Equal Status Acts 2000–2018
● Children First Act 2015
● Child Protection Procedures for Schools 2025 (Circular 0041/2025)
● United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
● Disability Act 2005
● Ombudsman for Children Act 2002
● Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997
● Health and Safety legislation
● General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2018
This policy operates in conjunction with the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement and Bí Cinealta Policy.
Aims
The aims of this Code of Behaviour are to:
● establish a positive and orderly learning environment
● promote respectful behaviour and positive relationships
● ensure a consistent and fair response to behaviour
● develop pupils’ sense of responsibility and self-discipline
● support teaching and learning without disruption
● strengthen cooperation between home and school
Responsibility of Adults
All adults in the school community are expected to model high standards of behaviour.
Adults will:
● set clear expectations
● apply rules consistently
● treat all pupils fairly
● promote respect and inclusion
● acknowledge positive behaviour and effort
School Rules
Pupils are expected to:
● show respect for themselves and others
● respect school property and the property of others
● respect the right of others to learn
● follow all instructions from staff immediately
● walk safely and quietly in the school building
● use appropriate language and behaviour at all times
● take responsibility for their actions and work
● follow school rules regarding uniform and appearance
Core Rules:
● Be Kind / Show Respect
● Do Your Best
● Be Tidy
● Be Safe
● Walk
● Listen
Failure to follow these rules will result in appropriate consequences.
Class Rules
At the beginning of each academic year, the class teacher will draft a list of class rules with the
children. These reflect and support the school rules, but are presented in a way that is accessible to the children.
They are devised with regard for the health, safety and welfare of all members of the school
community.
Rules will be applied in a fair and consistent manner, with due regard to the age of the pupils and to individual differences. Where difficulties arise, parents will be contacted at an early stage.
Encouraging Positive Behaviour
The school actively promotes positive behaviour.
Pupils will be recognised and praised for:
● consistent good behaviour
● effort and improvement
● positive contribution to the class and school
Praise may include:
● verbal recognition
● positive notes
● reward systems
● communication with parents
● additional responsibilities
Bullying Behaviour
Bullying behaviour, including harassment, discrimination and victimisation, is not tolerated.
Where it has been established that bullying has occurred our Bí Cineálta policy will be followed with
an emphasis on:
● early intervention
● clear response
● supporting pupils
● promoting respectful relationships
Unacceptable Behaviour
Three levels of misbehaviour are recognised: Minor, Serious and Gross.
Minor: Dealt with by the class teacher.
Serious includes:
● behaviour that disrupts teaching and learning
● repeated minor misbehaviour
● hurtful or aggressive behaviour
● damage to property
● theft
Gross includes:
● assault
● serious threats
● serious damage or theft
Serious and gross misbehaviour will result in immediate and appropriate action.
Responding to Behaviour
A structured approach is used when pupils behave inappropriately:
● reasoning with the pupil
● verbal warning
● temporary separation from peers
● loss of privileges
● additional work
● communication with parents
● referral to the principal / deputy principal
Where appropriate, pupils will be required to reflect on their behaviour, recognise its impact and demonstrate improved behaviour.
Sanctions
Sanctions are applied where necessary.
They are:
● proportionate to the behaviour
● applied consistently
● clearly explained
The aim of the sanctions is to prevent recurrence.
Repeated misbehaviour will result in escalation of consequences.
These consequences may include:
● a verbal warning outlining a logical consequence to their actions will be stated e.g. loss of a
scissors when cutting out and then a follow through on consequence if behaviour continues.
● should misbehaviour persist the consequence may increase- time out / loss of privilege e.g.
loss of tablet time /completing work during a favoured activity / work alone
● Involvement of Principal/Deputy Principal
● Informing of parents.
If the above interventions have not been successful the following actions and sanctions may be
required.
● Case Conference with teacher, principal, deputy principal and parents.
● In school suspension ( Pupil may spend a portion of the day in another classroom )
● Shorter day in school until behaviour improves.
● Recommendation to the B.O.M. for suspension
● Recommendation to the B.O.M. for expulsion
Suspension and Expulsion
Before serious sanctions such as suspension or expulsion are used, the normal channels of
communication between school and parents will be utilised.
For gross misbehaviour or repeated instances of serious misbehaviour suspension may be
considered. Parents concerned will be invited to come to the school to discuss their child’s case.
Aggressive, threatening or violent behaviour towards a teacher or pupil will be regarded as serious or gross misbehaviour.
In the case of gross misbehaviour, where it is necessary to ensure that order and discipline are
maintained and to secure the safety of the pupils and staff, the Board may authorise the Chairperson or Principal to sanction an immediate suspension for a period not exceeding three school days, pending a discussion of the matter with the parents.
Expulsion will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.
Procedures for both suspension and expulsion will follow:
● Education (Welfare) Act 2000
● Department of Education guidelines
The school will notify the Educational Welfare Officer (Tusla) where required.
Parents will be informed and involved at all stages.
Reinstatement
Following suspension, a pupil may return to school where:
● a commitment to improved behaviour is given
● the Principal is satisfied that return is appropriate
The school must be satisfied that the pupil’s reinstatement will not constitute a risk to the pupil’s own safety or that of the other pupils and staff.
Children with Additional Needs
All pupils are expected to comply with the Code of Behaviour. The school recognises that some pupils with additional needs may require assistance in understanding certain rules..
Specialised behaviour plans will be provided while maintaining clear expectations for behaviour.
Cognitive development will be taken into account at all times.
Communication with Parents
Communicating with parents is central to maintaining a positive approach to dealing with children.
A high level of co-operation and open communication between home and school is seen as an
important factor encouraging positive behaviour in the school. Parents are encouraged to talk in confidence to teachers about any significant developments in a child’s life, in the past or present, which may affect the child’s behaviour.
Parents and teachers should develop a joint strategy to address specific difficulties.
Communication methods include:
● written communication
● phone calls
● school communication platforms
● meetings
Parents are expected to support the school in reinforcing the Code of Behaviour.
Review and Implementation
This policy will be reviewed on a regular basis.