St Catherine's School
BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT POLICY - PREP
(Formerly Rewards and Sanctions)
(Prep)

Reviewed by:	Head of Prep
Last Reviewed:	May 2026
Next Review:	May 2028

SCHOOL MISSION We are inspired by St Catherine of Siena, who said ‘Be who God wants you to be, and you will set the world on fire’, to form young women of confidence and compassion, ready for service and leadership in the world. We fulfil our mission through these values:   Community: a place of cheerfulness, dignity and tolerance, where all are welcome Faith: a Christ-centred school with time for reflection; a culture of gratitude and friendship Courage: with self-knowledge, resilience and integrity, and a readiness for challenge Scholarship: where gifts are developed through curiosity, imagination and ambition Service: commitment to others, to stewardship, and to justice and hope for all

It is the responsibility of all teaching staff to ensure that the School’s policies and code of conduct are applied fairly and consistently and that each case is reviewed on its merits.

It cannot be overemphasised that the best way to ensure the highest standards in both behaviour and work is to create a positive ethos where the self-confidence and self-esteem of pupils is promoted by regular praise, congratulation and affirmation. A school culture which is dominated by a mutual respect between pupils, and between staff and pupils, will lead not only to harmonious relationships but also to the fulfilment of the pupils’ potential both academically and socially. 

Our aims are:

• to encourage all pupils to adopt the highest standards of behaviour, principles and moral standards and to respect the ethos of the school;

• to promote good behaviour, self-discipline, mutual respect, trust and emotional well-being;

• to endorse our belief that good relations, good manners and a secure learning environment play a vital part in developing curious and inspired pupils who are motivated to become life-long learners;

• to develop qualities of teamwork and leadership, including through extra-curricular activities;

• to be a fully inclusive community, welcoming pupils from a range of backgrounds;

• as a staff, to provide excellent role models of behaviour.

Prep Behaviour Expectations

Our behaviour expectations have been developed through meaningful collaboration between pupils and staff, ensuring that they reflect the shared values and aspirations of our school community. These expectations are closely aligned with our school values and provide a clear framework for positive behaviour, respectful relationships, and a supportive learning environment. To promote consistency and reinforce their importance, the behaviour expectations are prominently displayed in classrooms and communal areas throughout the school, serving as a daily reminder to pupils, staff and visitors. The full set of behaviour expectations can be found in Appendix A.

Rewards and Sanctions

Our approach to rewards and sanctions has also been developed through consultation and collaboration with both pupils and staff. This process has helped to establish a system that is fair, consistent, and reflective of our school values. Rewards are used to recognise and celebrate positive behaviour, effort, and achievement, while sanctions provide clear and proportionate consequences when behaviour falls below expectations. By involving pupils and staff in the development of these approaches, we have fostered a shared understanding of the standards expected within Prep and strengthened collective ownership of our behaviour culture.

Individual Rewards

Verbal praise is given, for example “well done” or “ I noticed that you…….thank you!”

Pupils receive House Point tokens for a variety of reasons, for example, good work, good behaviour, effort, kindness.  These tokens are placed, by the girls, in our House tubes outside the Prep Library and Y6 monitors count and share totals during Prep Assemblies.

Behaviour badges are awarded by class teachers to individual pupils in recognition of their excellent behaviour during Prep Assemblies.

Pupils who consistently demonstrate and uphold the school’s behaviour expectations may be invited to attend a special tea party with the Head of Prep. This provides an opportunity to celebrate their positive conduct and commitment to the school’s values, with tea and cake shared in recognition of their exemplary behaviour.

Attainment and personal development certificates are presented to selected pupils at each end of term whole school assembly. Pupils may also receive a Commendation from the Headmistress or Head of Prep for exemplary personal development or achievement. Caught Being Brilliant postcards are also awarded to pupils by the Head of Prep.

Collaborative Rewards

Verbal praise is given, for example “well done” or “ I noticed that you all…….thank you!”

Star In The Jar - classes can earn a star each morning and afternoon when everyone makes good choices

Golden Time - when the jar is full the class can decide on a reward. This may be a class party, choosing time, a game of cricket etc

 

Sanctions

While the School aims to reward positive behaviour and deal with pupils in a positive way, there are occasions when we do have to deal with unacceptable behaviour. At St Catherine’s we do not tolerate:

• Rudeness
• Unfair discrimination of any kind
• Deliberate disobedience
• Bullying
• Disregard for the school environment or property
• Physical or emotional violence
• Work below the standard of expectation
• Disregard for the AUP for ICT

Where a pupil’s behaviour falls below the school’s expectations, a graduated system of sanctions is implemented to support reflection, accountability, and positive behaviour change. Sanctions typically follow an escalating process, beginning with a verbal warning, followed by reflection time during a break time with the class teacher. Should concerns persist, the pupil may be required to undertake reflection time with the Deputy Head of Prep, and parents will be informed via email. Further incidents may result in a meeting with the Head of Prep and a telephone conversation with parents. In cases of continued or more serious misconduct, additional consequences may be imposed, which may include suspension or exclusion in line with the school’s policies and procedures. While this graduated approach provides a clear framework, the nature and severity of the behaviour will determine the most appropriate sanction. As such, the school reserves the right to implement a higher-level consequence immediately, including a meeting with the Head of Prep or Head, where the circumstances warrant such action.

Suspensions 

Suspensions may be given by the Head for either repeated acts of indiscipline or for a single serious breach of School Rules, as detailed in the Discipline and Exclusion Policy. Parents will be contacted and a pupil suspended will be sent home for a specified period of time.  

Exclusion 

A pupil may be excluded if the Head is satisfied that the pupil’s conduct has been prejudicial to good order or school discipline or to the reputation of the school, as set out in the relevant policy.

Please refer to the following policies:

• Equal Opportunities Policy
• Anti-Bullying Policy
• Discipline and Exclusion Policy
• Acceptable Use Policy for ICT