Expectations for Pupils

Our children must:

• come to school in correct school uniform and be ready to learn;
• always do their best by trying to be resilient, responsible, reflective and resourceful in their learning and in their relationships with other children and with adults;
• know that God calls us all by name; respect and value all those around them: children and adults;
• respect for the school environment and school property, and for the property of others;
• uphold these rules both in school and when representing St Joseph’s in other locations such as on school trips or sporting events.  

Expectations for Staff

All employees of St. Joseph’s RC School should promote positive attitudes and model the behaviours which we wish to see from the children.  We aim to promote caring, supporting and encouraging attitudes through our own actions. 

In the classroom:

• Staff must ensure that they create apositive, supportive, secure environment where children can show respect for each other, and learn in a calm atmosphere without distractions.  Teachers influence classroom behaviour by ensuring pupils feel valued.  The following are examples of good practice:

• arrive in good timeto welcome the children and start working sessions promptly;
• be well-prepared and have clear expectations;
• make sure work is set at an appropriate level for all children;
• encourage good organisation and independence;
• ensure that the classroom is attractive, clean and tidy;
• ensure working practices show care of property and that children are expected to leave work areas and cloakrooms tidy after use;
• maintain stimulating wall displays, including working walls;
• praise and reward examples of good behaviour, effort and achievement. 

• Positive vocabulary is used by all staff, both in and out of the classroom, to give encouragement and praise when it is due.  This highlights expectation and raises self-esteem and aspiration. 
• All adults in school should model and comment explicitly on the characteristics of effective learning which have been agreed as part of the ‘St Joseph’s Learning Compass’.  These are Resilience, Responsibility, Reflection and Resourcefulness.  Visiting teachers who attend St Joseph’s regularly (for example PE, music, supply teachers) should be informed of this vocabulary and asked to include it when possible in their lessons.
• These characteristics must also be included in class discussion amongst pupils, in peer/self-assessment, and in dealing with situations which may arise in social situations outside lesson times.
• Each class must have a ‘working wall’ based on the ‘Learning Compass’ which serves to recognise and encourage behaviours which are resilient, responsible, reflective and resourceful.  This should be somewhere prominent in the room. 
• Children meeting behaviour expectations are thanked for their efforts, with a thank you sticker that is added to a communal display.

Expectations for Parents

Parents have responsibilities which contribute to the conduct of their children, and these include ensuring:

• regular attendance and punctuality;
• that their child is properly dressed in correct school uniform;
• that their child has a suitable breakfast and a healthy packed lunch if school meals are not taken;
• that their child is properly equipped with any required materials, books, PE kit etc.
• that homework is completed on time and to the expected standard;
• that they support school policies on the use of mobile telephones and social media;
• that school is kept informed of situations or events at home which may have an impact on their child’s behaviour.

Parents need to cooperate with the school in matters of behaviour and reinforce the school’s efforts at home.