Feeling Safe and Respected

I emailed all parents and carers just before Christmas asking them to speak to their child about the ‘anti-social behaviour’ that occurs around incidents when students argue. We are particularly talking about the dangerous way some students run to ‘look on’, pushing, shoving and preventing a peaceful resolution.

At the start of this new year, we are resolved to take a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to incidents in the play-ground. I write to let you know that there will be a noticeable increase in sanctions for those who choose to have a fight; students who do this will receive a ‘suspension’ for their violent behaviour. This will be noted on a student’s official school record.

In addition, we will inform you if your child has run to ‘look on’ at an incident or hasn’t moved when requested thereby contributing to the ‘anti-social’ atmosphere. We will talk to those students and ask you to do the same at home. At breaktimes, when the site is particularly busy, unless playing sport or a recognised game, students should not be running around the playground. We will encourage them to walk with friends, queue for a snack, stand and chat, play sport or go to our dining rooms or Learning Resource Base.

To support conflict resolution, we have asked all our pastoral tutors in years 7 – 11 to be visible at break and lunchtimes and to be open and accessible to talk to. We are also planning further training on conflict resolution for a wider group of staff and looking at how we can use time in PSHE and initiatives to support our community.

Students will be having assemblies next week to give the clear message ‘To be safe and respected in the playground’. Thankyou in anticipation of your support. We are proud of our community and support every effort you as parents and carers do at home to create articulate, confident and well qualified citizens of the world.