Student Behaviour in Public Schools Procedures

1. Policy supported

Student Behaviour in Public Schools Policy

2. Scope

These procedures apply to principals in public schools.

3. Procedures

3.1 Document a plan for whole school positive student behaviour support

The principal will document a whole school plan to support positive student behaviour that includes:

• a school code of conduct stating the behaviours that students are required to learn and maintain at the school;
• the roles and responsibilities of staff in implementing whole school behaviour support;
• teaching and classroom management strategies that support positive student behaviour including:
  • the management of the school environment to promote positive student behaviour;
  • the school’s strategy for communicating to parents on students’ behaviour;
  • the school’s strategy for deciding on the application of disciplinary measures;
  • the school’s approach to coordinating with external agencies where required;
  • measures to address:
    • all forms of bullying;
    • aggression;
    • drug and alcohol misuse by students, including provision of evidence-based drug and alcohol education;
    • the presence of weapons on school sites;
    • risks of suicidal behaviour and/or non-suicidal self-injury, including risks associated with cumulative harm from child maltreatment;
• the rules regarding personal use of mobile and other electronic devices, and responses to breaches of these rules; and
• the strategy for record keeping, and use of data in assessing the effectiveness of whole school behaviour support.

The principal will:

• consult with the school council/board on this planning;
• review whole school behaviour support planning at least annually, and whenever school data indicates the need; and
• report at least annually to the school council/board on the school’s performance in behaviour support.

3.2 Implement the whole school plan for positive student behaviour support

The principal must implement the documented whole school plan to support positive student behaviour in ways that:

• make the best interests of the child a primary consideration;
• consider the safety and wellbeing of all school staff and all other members of the school community;
• maintain a positive school approach and the good order of the school;
• incorporate personalised adjustments based on student need;
• maintain cohesion of behaviour support for students across contexts and teachers;
• build consistency in behaviour support in and out of school, through liaison with parent(s) and community;
• are culturally, developmentally and psychologically appropriate;
• support the growth of self-regulation and peer-regulation and reduce the need for adult intervention;
• use the least restrictive alternative that will prevent or de-escalate student conduct or emotional states that risk harm to self or others;
• take into account the agreed behaviour interventions or therapies provided by external practitioners or agencies;
• respond to the assessment of school behaviour data; and
• comply with the Requirements related to the Student Behaviour in Public Schools policy.

3.3 Provide individual student behaviour support where the need is identified

The principal must provide individual student behaviour support where the need is identified through:

• monitoring students whose behaviour needs are not adequately met by the whole school support plan;
• advice received from regional and Statewide Services staff, as required;
• liaising with external agencies or experts, as required;
• information received from the student and his/her parent(s) to inform the personalised behaviour support plan; and
• reviewing records of enhancements in behaviour support and their outcomes.

4. Definitions

5. Related documents

6. Contact information

Policy manager:

Director, Student Support Services

T: (08) 9402 6384

Policy contact officer:

Principal Consultant, Behaviour and Attendance Branch

T: (08) 9402 6447

7. History of changes