Behaviour and Detention

All schools should have a behaviour policy that describes

• The school's expectations of pupils
• The punishments that may be applied when pupils misbehave
• How the school will ensure that the behaviour of any pupil does not affect the learning, safety and progress of other pupils

Celebrating good behaviour

Schools celebrate good behaviour as essential foundations for successful teaching and learning. Many schools encourage positive attitudes through reward systems. This may include class or individual prizes, special assemblies or outings. Your child's behaviour and attendance is included in the record of achievement and in references requested by colleges or prospective employers.

If problems arise in your child's behaviour at school

The success of a school-wide policy depends on the partnership between parents or carers and the school. If problems arise in your child's behaviour at school, they should be discussed with you in the first instance. It is important for your child to know that home and school are working together.

If you are concerned about your child's behaviour, speak to their teacher, headteacher, tutor or head of year. Where problems arise between parents and the school, both can contact us for advice.

Your child and detention

The Education Act 1997 allows a school to detain a pupil outside of normal school hours for disciplinary reasons.

Detentions can take place during school hours, at lunchtime, after school or at weekends. If your child fails to attend without a reasonable excuse, the school may give them a more severe punishment.

Notice of a detention

You are entitled to 24 hours written notice of a detention that takes place outside normal school hours, so you can make arrangements for transport or childcare. The notice should tell you why the detention was given and how long your child will have to stay at school.

If your child cannot attend the detention

If your child cannot attend the detention, you can explain your reasons to your child's teacher or headteacher. They may reconsider the detention in certain circumstances, such as

• The detention falls on an important religious day for your family
• You're concerned about the length and safety of the route between school and home
• You can't reasonably make alternative arrangements for collecting your child from school

Contact

Education welfare and attendance
Tel: 020 7525 2689
csewasdutydesk@southwark.gov.uk
Children's services
John Smith House
144-152 Walworth Road
London
SE17 1JL
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 1pm to 4.30pm