how do other schools "discipline" their pupils ?.....................

[cheltenhamgal]

I would love to know how other schools discipline their pupils, my dd's schools have a yellow/red card system
I am not sure of all the rules have only come across some of them, my feeling is that these cards are given out willie nillie sometimes depending on the mood of the teacher/dinner lady

Yellow card given out if
three counts of not doing as asked by teacher
name calling
swearing

Red card given out if
the child receives three yellow cards in one term
hitting, pinching, hurting another child
damaging school property
using school property to hurt others

There are a few others also but I really can't remember them all
How on earth unless there are witnesses do the teachers/dinner staff know what has happened. If they have to rely on what each child says and one of the children is feeling particularly spiteful that day, what happens then ?
My dd got a yellow card for calling her friend a "big fat bossy boots" do you think this was too harsh or justified. I agree that it is not acceptable behaviour but I would love to know if the child who called her "dog poo" a few months ago got a yellow card etc and if the 9yr old boy who pushed her over and she had to go for an ice pack in the office got a red card(i didnt hear about this one until two months later)

sorry forgot to add

One red card, in one term and the parent has to go and see the headteacher

oooh and that my dd is Year 1

but you dont need to know if they got a yellow/red card. tbh its not really your concern. just IMO of course.

dd1 old school had a card system as well. she never got carded.

we have a warning system.

there are 5 rules displayed in all classrooms. if child breaks the rule then they get a warning (name written on whiteboard along with the rule they have broken. no further incidents there name is wiped off.

if they continue or break another rule that day they get another warning - this is now called being 'on the board'. again if behaviour improves it can be wiped off.

A third warning however results in having a tick by your name. this means it can no longer be wiped off and is more serious. at the end of the week if they have a tick then they 'lose their freetime'. this is on Friday for half an hour when all other children do nice activities. Those with a tick sit with headteacher who tells them off and also sends a letter hoem. parents have to sign to say they have received the letter.

if a child loses their freetime three times in half a term then they get a detention and their parent is called in to see headteacher.

phew ! worn out now. hope this makes sense!

We have a whole school agreed process of rewards and sanctions:

For rewards we have:

1. Praise from your class (clap/thumbs up/sticker etc)
2. Praise from another class
3. Parent's brought in to see work/hear success
4. Success award in assembly
5. Personal letter from the headteacher sent to your house (I love this one as it is often the first letter a child has ever received at home)

Also, at any point children can be given a class point by any adult in the school. Once a certain level of points has been reached, the class can choose a reward from a pre-agreed list - e.g. extra playtime, party afternoon etc.

For sanctions we have

1. warning
2. moved within class
3. removal to another class/place
4. Discussion with teacher/parents
5. Discussion with teacher/parents/headteacher

This system is also used for playground behaviour.

I think the key as you've pointed out cheltenhamgal is the consistency. It is vital that all teacher, teaching assistants, dinnerladies etc. all know the system and enforce it fairly and equally.

bump

Exactly the same as cece:)

I think my son's school has similar discipline scheme to yours Cheltenhamgal. DS's class is a bit rambunctious, and need a tight rein. Personally I think teaching is such a tough job & my son's class had a lot of bad behavior in reception, so I don't care if his teacher is a bit too strict at times, I'd rather she kept the kids on their toes.

Too much bad behavior & the whole class can miss a playtime; exemplary behavior, on the other hand, means extra playtime. IME, staff are sensible enough not to punish without a clear indication of guilt (so no fear of being falsely accused).

I think what you talk about with naughty behavior not being caught is a problem in most state schools -- they need more staff to keep a close eye on the little monsters. That's why parent volunteers can be so helpful.

I agree that the school should have a strict discipline policy, I just don't know how they manage to control disputes when an adult didn't see the actual incident. I wouldn't mind if the cards were given out fairly but it seems to be one rule for some children and a different one for others. I just need to think how to tackle that one

Why do you need to tackle it? If your dd gets a card for doing something she shouldn't, then she does!

I meant tackle the fact that some children seem to get them and some dont for similar things. As the giving out of them seems to be quite erratic :)