A positive approach to behaviour

Schools work to create a safe, supportive and happy place for every student.

Supporting positive behaviour helps students feel safe, stay engaged in learning and do their best. Schools aim to build inclusive environments where everyone feels respected and supported.

The School Community Charter explains what respectful behaviour looks like for students, parents, carers and school staff.

The Student Behaviour Policy guides how schools support student behaviour. It focuses on a positive, preventative approach that puts students at the centre. It also highlights the importance of working together with families and the wider school community. Consistency is important so students receive clear and fair expectations across all settings.

How schools support behaviour

All NSW public schools have a School behaviour support and management plan (SBSMP). This plan explains how the school teaches and supports positive behaviour and responds to inappropriate behaviour, including bullying.

It outlines:

• The clear behaviour expectations for all students (for example, being safe, respectful, and responsible in classrooms, playgrounds, and online spaces).

• How teachers explicitly teach and model expected behaviours.

• How positive behaviour is recognised and encouraged.

• The steps staff take when behaviour expectations are not met, focusing on support, consistency, and student learning.

• Additional supports for students who need help to meet expectations, including individual learning and support planning or targeted strategies where needed.

Why this matters for parents and carers

When parents and carers understand the plan, it becomes easier to work in partnership with the school using the same language, expectations, and strategies. This consistency between home and school helps children feel more secure and reduces confusion about what is expected.

For example, if a child is finding it hard to manage behaviour in the playground, the plan helps guide:

• what teachers will do to support them at school (e.g. reminders, structured play options, check-ins)

• what follow-up may occur if needed (e.g. restorative conversations, parent communication)

• what strategies can be reinforced at home (e.g. practising calming strategies or problem-solving scripts).

Where to access it

The School behaviour support and management plan is usually available on your school’s website under “Policies” or “Student Wellbeing.” If it is not easy to find, you can contact the school office and request a copy. Schools can also talk you through it during a conversation or meeting if you would like more detail.

Behaviours of concern

All children and young people can show challenging behaviour at times. This is a normal part of growing up and learning.

Sometimes your child may be affected by the behaviour of others. At other times, their behaviour may affect others.

More information on what to do if your child has told you about behaviour issues at school and bullying is available on the website.

Serious behaviours of concern

To help keep schools safe and respectful for everyone, there are some important rules all students must follow. The Student code of conduct helps students and parents and carers understand the behaviour we expect at our schools. For more information see our Information about the revised Student code of conduct webpage.

At school, your child is expected to:

• treat others fairly and with respect

• not bully, threaten, harass or hurt others, including online or through social media

• not bring weapons, illegal drugs, alcohol, vapes, e-cigarettes or tobacco to school

If these rules are broken, the school will respond to help keep students and staff safe and support learning. This may include consequences such as suspension.

Need language support?

If you need help communicating in English, you can use the Telephone Interpreter Service.

Call 131 450, tell them the language you need and ask them to contact your child’s school. An interpreter will join the call to help with the conversation.

This service is free.