Behaviour Principles Statement
Written Statement of Behaviour Principles,
Adopted by the Governing Body on 6th February 2019
Reviewed: September 2025
Date of next review: September 2026
The Education and Inspections Act 2006 and DfE guidance document for governing bodies (Behaviour and Discipline in Schools, 2015) requires the governing body to make and frequently review a written statement of general behaviour principles to guide the Headteacher in determining measures to promote good behaviour.
Introduction
This is a statement of principles, not practice.
Practical application of these principles is the responsibility of the Headteacher.
The Governing Body believes that high standards of behaviour lie at the heart of a successful school, enabling every child to learn, thrive, and make the best possible progress.
At Horsforth Featherbank Primary School, we value every individual and recognise their capacity for growth, change, and development. Our school ethos of Safe, Happy, Growing underpins our approach to behaviour, relationships, and expectations.
This statement provides guidance to the Headteacher when developing, reviewing, and implementing the Behaviour Policy. The Headteacher will do so with reference to DfE Behaviour and Discipline in Schools: Advice for Headteachers and School Staff (January 2016) and all subsequent statutory updates.
The Headteacher has a duty to publish this statement on the school website.
Principles
Safety, Welfare and Inclusion
• Everyone—children, staff, and visitors—has the right to feel safe at all times, in line with the Education Act 2002, safeguarding legislation, and the school’s Safeguarding Policy.
• Horsforth Featherbank Primary School is an inclusive community. Bullying, harassment, and discrimination of any kind are unacceptable. Measures to protect pupils and promote equality are set out in the Behaviour and Equality Policies, reflecting the Equality Act 2010.
School Values and Culture
• Behaviour expectations reflect our core school values: Safe, Happy, Growing.
• Relationships in school are based on justice, equality, mutual respect, fairness, and consistency.
• Pupils should be supported to develop as responsible citizens who contribute positively to the school community.
Pupil Voice and School Rules
• Children should be at the heart of developing school rules. Governors expect rules to be regularly reviewed with input from the School Council, staff, and parents.
• Rules should be clearly stated in the Behaviour Policy and be consistently displayed and communicated across school.
High Standards and Consistency
• High expectations for behaviour, conduct, attendance, punctuality, and engagement should be upheld by all staff, ensuring a calm and orderly environment.
• Rewards should encourage and recognise positive behaviour and should be applied fairly and consistently.
• Sanctions should be:
- understood by staff and pupils
- applied consistently and proportionately
- monitored for effectiveness
- considerate of SEND needs, vulnerabilities, and individual circumstances
Support and Intervention
• Behaviour management should take account of the individual child. Where needed, support from external agencies should be accessed for pupils who display persistent or concerning behaviour.
• Children should be encouraged to support one another in developing positive behaviour, celebrating success and personal growth.
Partnership with Parents and Carers
• Pupils and parents are expected to work cooperatively with the school to maintain an orderly environment for learning.
• Communication should be respectful, constructive, and solution focused.
Sanctions, Reasonable Force and Serious Incidents
• Exclusions, particularly permanent exclusions, must be used only as a last resort.
• Violence, threatening behaviour, or abuse towards staff is not tolerated. If a parent behaves inappropriately, the school may ban them from the premises and further action may be taken if necessary.
• The Behaviour Policy must provide clear guidance on:
- searching pupils for prohibited items
- the use of reasonable force
- responses to misbehaviour outside school, including incidents:
- on school visits
- travelling to and from school
- when in uniform or identifiable as a Featherbank pupil
- or when school behaviour impacts the safety or welfare of others
Mobile Phones
• To maintain safety and focus:
- Only Year 6 pupils may bring a mobile phone to school.
- Phones must be switched off before entering the school grounds.
- Phones must be handed directly to the school office on arrival and will be stored securely.
- Phones are returned at the end of the day to support pupils who travel independently.
• Any misuse of mobile phones will be addressed in accordance with the Behaviour Policy.
REVIEW
This Written Statement of Behaviour Principles will be reviewed annually by the Governing Body of Horsforth Featherbank Primary School or sooner if required by legislative or policy changes.