Behaviour policy

The rules a school sets and the sanctions it can apply. It must be published, and it binds the school too.

What it is

Every school must have a behaviour policy, determined by the headteacher and published. It sets out expectations, rewards, sanctions and how the school supports pupils to meet the expectations.

Schools must also have an anti-bullying strategy.

Where it applies

All pupils, including for behaviour outside school in defined circumstances — on the way to and from school, on trips, and where behaviour could affect the school's reputation.

How it works

Sanctions must be reasonable and proportionate, and must take account of a pupil's SEND, age and any special circumstances.

Detentions can be imposed without parental consent, including after school, though schools should consider whether the pupil has safe transport home.

Confiscation, reasonable force and searching all have specific rules — force may be used to prevent injury, damage or serious disorder, and must be reasonable and proportionate.

What you can ask for

Read the policy before you dispute a sanction. Schools depart from their own policies more often than they expect to be checked.

Ask how the policy is adjusted for pupils with SEND. A policy applied identically to every child is not a policy that has considered reasonable adjustments.

Ask for any use of force or of a removal room to be recorded and shared with you.

Where to get help

The school website for the policy. The governing body for complaints about its application.