A school’s pastoral policy and approach to discipline are crucial factors in its effectiveness as an educator of children for life. Our objective at Pointers is to develop the highest standards of motivation and behaviour in a supportive environment.

To these ends, we endeavour to ensure that each child develops a strong sense of responsibility, self-discipline, care and tolerance for the views of other people.

A Positive Attitude

We are committed to ensuring there is an ethos of enthusiasm in the school, with emphasis being placed on positive rather than negative aspects of behaviour.
We believe that if children are praised and rewarded for the positive things they do (e.g. showing sensible behaviour, courtesy, self- control, a caring attitude, hard work, etc), this will serve not only to encourage these desirable aspects of behaviour at school and in the home but also to foster these traits in all aspects of the child's life.

Discipline

Children at Pointers are made aware that certain standards of behaviour are expected from them. We recognise the need for consistency throughout the whole school, so that all staff expect the same standards of behaviour and that all issues are dealt with in a similar way.

In the first instance, individual members of staff are responsible for exercising moderate discipline in line with the school’s general policy. If necessary, the matter may be referred to the Deputy Head or Headmaster.

We believe it is important that once an incident has been dealt with, it is considered ‘over and done with’ and will not be referred to again. If a child has been disciplined, it is our policy to find something positive to say before the child returns home. This restores the child’s self-esteem and communicates to him/her that he/she is still much cared for.