How to review your behaviour policy

Find everything you need to review and approve your school's or trust's behaviour policy, including what to look for in the policy and key questions to ask senior leaders.

Last reviewed on 20 October 2023See updates
Ref: 38440
Statutory/mandatory for:
Maintained schools
Academies
Free schools
Independent schools
Pupil referral units
Non-maintained special schools
Contents
  1. Key facts
  2. Key statutes and guidance
  3. What this policy needs to do
  4. 4 key questions to challenge the policy
  5. Model policy from The Key
  6. Examples of policies from schools

If you're on a local governing body (LGB), see the 'multi-academy trusts' tab for information on your role.

Key statutes and guidance

This policy must have due regard for:

What this policy needs to do

Your school's behaviour policy must set out measures that regulate pupils' conduct and which aim to: 

  • Promote good behaviour, self-discipline and respect
  • Prevent bullying
  • Make sure pupils complete assigned work

This is based on the advice from paragraphs 7 and 8 of the behaviour in schools guidance from the Department for Education (DfE).

Maintained schools: the policy must take account of