Schools to get behaviour guide

PRIMARY schools are to be given clear guidelines on behaviour policies ahead of the next academic year in September.

The guidelines are being developed by an expert group which will consult with schools, parents, children and education agencies over the next eight months. The group, formed by the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB), met for the first time this week.

NEWB chief executive Eddie Ward said it was the start of a three-phase process which will result in the development of the first national Guidelines for School Codes of Behaviour.

They will focus on how schools can deal progressively and inclusively with behavioural issues.

While a task force report due to be received by Education Minister Mary Hanafin before the end of the month will deal specifically with discipline issues at second level, the NEWB group is focusing on behaviour in primary schools.

“Poor behaviour impacts on the learning and teaching environment in a school and valuable class time can be taken up managing it,” Mr Ward said.

“Issues of behaviour can also be barrier to good attendance and participation in school activities,” he added.

The expert group - which includes representatives of parent and management groups, school principals and educational psychologists - is to draw up a discussion document.

This will form the basis for a widespread consultation process.