We do not need to do so. Schools are expected to take into account the “balance of probability” as to what has happened, rather than the requirement to prove something “beyond all reasonable doubt” as is the case in a court of law. However, we always try to get as accurate a picture as possible before making any decision.

The vast majority of parent/carers are very supportive of the school stance, understanding that the school is a large complex organization with over 1200 students who all come from a range of home backgrounds with the subtle differences that make every family dynamic unique.

We cannot promise that our values and judgments will automatically reflect an individual parents/carers views – though we do try to make sure that our stance is logical, clearly explained and that we have a consistent rationale that we apply fairly.

The school has the right to impose sanctions without parent/carer consent and – if necessary – will do so to make sure that, within the school context, children are dealt with fairly and consistently. However, we would always prefer to explain the rationale and gain parent/carer support rather than simply state our right to impose any sanction.

No. The school is legally entitled to set and impose detentions and other permitted sanctions, and does not require parent/carer permission to do so. However, if you feel that there is evidence that the school has not considered in making its decision, then we would encourage you to contact your child’s Pastoral Support Officer or learning Coordinator.

It is very easy to become upset when your child is upset, and to act upon the information that they give you without knowing the full story.

We would recommend that you talk to your child and try to find out what is at the root if their upset. Often, it is the worry about your reactions or your disappointment in them.

If children are upset that they have a sanction because they feel they have let themselves or you down, then that is a great credit to them – and makes it more likely that any misbehaviour is a “one off”.

If your child is saying that the sanction is unfair, see if they can explain why. As an adult, you may be able to give them the wider perspective that children typically lack. However, if you think that what your child is saying doesn’t sound right, then the best thing to do is to contact your son's/daughter’s Pastoral team to check whether you have the full picture.

We would strongly recommend that you ask for clarification first, rather than going solely on what your child says to you. Children can be prone to selecting the bits that soften a loved one’s anger with them – and this can give you a misleading picture of the situation!

However, there are also occasions when we haven’t got the full context of the situation; your help in giving us extra information means we can make sure we are being as fair as possible to any children involved.

No. In the same way that parents/carers will pick up on misbehaviour at home, the school picks up on misbehaviour at school. We all know that children will test the boundaries, make some poor decisions or let their emotions rule their responses on occasions. Growing up and developing the skills to cope successfully with adult life is about learning from these mistakes.

Parents/carers have a huge influence on how their children react to any sanctions given; the messages given by parents/carers at home are very important in terms of the effectiveness of any sanction. Parents/carers discussions with their child about the better way to handle a situation, the rationale behind the school’s response (plus any sanction you feel appropriate) are enormously helpful and supportive of your child’s good behaviour at school.

No. Parent/carers do not have the right to be present in discussions between any member of staff and a student, including the Principal. However, the school will often invite parents/carers to join a discussion of concern, or to review progress where issues have been identified and an action plan put into place.

If you feel an approach is unfair or unreasonable, then you can write to the Principal and/or Governing Body asking for the review of the policy.

If you think the sanction given for a particular incident is unfair, e.g. not in line with the stated school policy, then you can use the informal or formal complaints procedure to make your case.

• Removal from social time
• Detentions at an appropriate level for the offence
• Restricted access to certain activities
• Removal of privileges
• Community service
• Internal or external exclusion

Failure to complete, or lack of, classwork/homework will result in extra support set by the class teacher/department. This can be for up to an hour after school.

Failure to attend an extra support session will result in a school detention.

Disruption to learning and other misbehaviour (including to and from school and outside school lessons) will result in an automatic school detention for an hour after school. Students will be informed by the staff member setting the detention as to the reason for the sanction; parents will be informed by text.

• Students can receive up to 2 hours of school detention an evening.
• Failure to attend a school detention will result in 2 hours the following evening.
• Repeated failure to attend a detention will result in a Saturday Leadership detention with the Deputy Principal.

No. The legal requirement for this has now gone. However, the school would not set a detention longer than 30mins without having passed on notification to parents/carers.

No. The school is legally entitled to set and impose detentions, and does not require parent/carer permission to do so. However, if you feel that there is evidence that the school has not considered in making this decision, then we would encourage you to contact your child’s pastoral team.