Introduction

This policy outlines the procedures through which leaders must follow when dealing with children who are part of the Swineshead Village Children’s Drama Group.  It is the responsibility of the Founding Director, and all leaders involved to make sure that procedures are adhered to.

 

Philosophy

Our hope is that children will have a great deal of fun, in a relaxed and safe atmosphere.  It is hoped that they will further develop their professional approach to drama productions under the warm and consistent care of the leaders.

 

Code of Behaviour

The children will be expected to adhere to the following Code of Behaviour:

·     Respect each other’s views and ideas.

·     Listen to other people.

·     Behave responsibly.

·     Be honest.

·      Tell the truth.

·     Support each other.

·     Comment positively and constructively about each other's work.

 

 

·     All leaders will be obeyed.

·     The children will be insured for all the time that they are on Church Hall premises, and 

        thus it is important that they do not leave the premises until the end of the Drama   

        Group sessions.  

 

Church Hall premises are defined as being the actual Hall and its forecourt.

 

Unacceptable Behaviour

In the previous section, certain forms of behaviour are highlighted.  These will be positively promoted.  It seems sensible then, to say that any behaviour contrary to the accepted Code of Behaviour, is considered to be Unacceptable.

 

Personally offensive behaviour

·     Racist or sexist remarks.

·     Use of offensive language.

·     Offensive gestures.

 

Violent Acts

·     Bullying.

·     Physically inappropriate behaviour.

·     Damaging others in any way (eg. punching, kicking, slapping, etc.).

·     Manipulating others to act in a violent way.

 

Disobedience

·     Refusal to follow the instructions of a Supervising Adult (Leader).

·     Disruptive or distracting behaviour which hinders others.

 

Dishonesty

·     Stealing.

·     Deceit to get themselves or others out of trouble.

 

Destruction

·     Damage to other children’s property.

·     Damage to Church Hall premises.

 

Procedures for dealing with positive behaviour

At all times, it is important to remember that positive behaviour and involvement should be encouraged and praised.  It is hoped that as a result of using the following system of praise, negative behaviour is not observed.

 

1.   Kind words of reassurance and praise.

2.   Being sent to the Founding Director for further praise.

3.   A certificate of good work/behaviour is sent home for parents.

 

Procedures for dealing with negative behaviour

Sometimes, children may behave inappropriately during Drama Group sessions.  Unacceptable behaviour will be dealt with in the following way, in an objective and calm manner:

 

1.   Verbal warning.

2.   Careful chastisement, focusing where possible upon the child's positive abilities.

3.   Time Out - sit on a chair, to think about the inappropriacy of the observed behaviour.

(This should be no longer than five minutes!)

NB: Leaders will ensure that they observe these children at regular intervals.

4.   Sent to the Founding Director for a further reprimand.

 

If it is deemed that the behaviour is unacceptable, and that it is likely to continue until the end of the Drama Group session, parents will be contacted, and asked to remove their child from the Church Hall premises.

 

Conclusion

Discipline is a shared responsibility between children, parents, leaders and the Founding Director.  By encouraging and fostering a sense of what is acceptable in a civilised society, it is hoped that children will grow in maturity, and gain skills in tact and diplomacy.

 

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