Vision Statement

Carshalton Boys is a school community based upon positive relationships and a culture of kindness and mutual respect. Staff recognise their role in promoting our WE BELIEVE principles and are united in optimism and a belief in our young people. Looking after our students, on the journey from childhood to young adulthood, is a privilege and a responsibility that we take seriously.

What unites our Carshalton Boys family is a drive to look after our most vulnerable members. We do this proactively by ensuring staff are accessible to students and parents and that students have the opportunity to anonymously report unkindness, abuse or any welfare concerns.

WE BELIEVE knowledge is power, black lives matter, love is love, feminism is for everyone and that no human being is illegal.  WE BELIEVE in being gentle with The Earth and that we all have a part to play in protecting our planet. At Carshalton Boys we are proud to have an ethos rooted in our WE BELIEVE principles which promote inclusivity, kindness and aspiration. We encourage all our students to be the best version of themselves. We want students to feel proud of their achievements at school and their contribution to our whole school community. We believe in being really kind to each other so that every member of our school community feels safe and confident and is able to work and learn in a calm and inclusive environment.

1. Introduction

As a general rule, schools are orderly, safe places, where relationships between staff and visitors, especially parents/carers, demonstrate mutual respect and recognition of shared responsibility for pupils’ welfare and educational progress. Parental involvement is an important factor in educational success and in dealing with emerging problems at an early stage.  However, on occasion, the behaviour of a few parents/carers can cause severe disruption, or worse, resulting in abusive or aggressive behaviour towards staff, students, or other members of the school community.

This document provides guidance about dealing with violence, threatening behaviour or abuse by parents of a student at CBSC, including those cases where the parent has been asked not to come onto the premises or other visitors to our site.  Some of the remedies listed are also applicable when dealing with other intruders on our premises.

Violence, threatening behaviour and abuse against CBSC staff or other members of the community will not be tolerated. It is enough for a member of staff to feel threatened physically, verbally or via social media posts – perceptions of victims would be enough. All members of CBSC have a right to expect that our school is a safe place in which to work and learn. There is no place for violence, threatening behaviour or abuse in schools.

2. Statement of Principles 

CBSC encourages close links with parents and the community. It believes that students benefit when the relationship between home and school is a positive one. The vast majority of parents, carers and others visiting us are keen to work with us and are supportive of the school. However, on the rare occasions when a negative attitude towards the school is expressed, this can result in aggression, verbal, written or online abuse and or physical abuse towards members of CBSC staff or the wider community.

CBSC expects and requires its members of staff to behave professionally in these difficult situations and attempt to defuse the situation where possible, seeking the involvement as appropriate of other colleagues. However, all members of staff have the right to work without fear of violence and abuse, and the right, in an extreme case, of appropriate self-defence. We expect parents and other visitors to behave in a reasonable way towards members of CBSC staff. This policy outlines the steps that will be taken where behaviour is unacceptable.

3. Unacceptable Behaviour

It is enough that staff can feel that they are intimidated or threatened by a variety of circumstances, not simply physical or actual verbal assault, which includes:

• Shouting at members of CBSC staff, either in person or over the telephone
• Abusive telephone calls, letters, emails, website entries and other school communication channels
• Physically intimidating a member of staff or a member of the community, eg standing very close to them
• Disrespectful, threatening behaviour; in person, on the telephone or on-line.
• Shaking or holding a fist towards another person;
• Swearing or Insulting;
• Pushing;
• Hitting, e.g. slapping, punching and kicking;
• Spitting;
• Breaching the schools security procedures
• Posting threatening, abusive or offensive content relating to a member of staff, or their family, or the school on-line
• Vandalism to academy property including site surrounds such as fences or signs
• Driving on site in a manner which can cause distress or injury to other site users (speed, or ignoring signage)

This is not an exhaustive list but seeks to provide illustrations of such behaviour. Unacceptable behaviour may result in the police being informed of the incident.

Any member of CBSC staff experiencing the above will complete an Incident Report (Appendix 1) and pass to the Principal immediately.

4. Procedure to be followed

If a parent/carer/visitor/member of the community behaves in an unacceptable way towards a member of the CBSC, the Principal or appropriate senior staff will seek to resolve the situation through discussion and mediation. If necessary, the school’s complaints procedures should be followed by the parent.

Where all procedures have been exhausted, and aggression or intimidation continues, or where there is an extreme act of violence, a parent or carer may be banned by the Principal from the school premises for a period of time, subject to review.

In imposing a ban the following steps will be taken:

1. The parent/carer will be informed, in writing, that she/he is banned from the premises, subject to review, and what will happen if the ban is breached, e.g. that police involvement or an injunction application may follow.
2. Where an assault has led to a ban, a statement indicating that the matter has been reported to the police will be included.
3. The Principal will discuss the ban with the Chair of Trustees
4. Where appropriate, arrangements for students being delivered to, and collected from school will be clarified.

5. The Banning Process

The Principal will need to assemble the full facts before proceeding, making sure that all those involved in any incidents, or witnesses to those incidents, make a full written record as soon as possible.

Crucial elements:

• write to parent/carer/intruder to record in detail the incident and why it is unacceptable;
• explain that the Principal discussed the issue with the Chair of Trustees and jointly they agreed to impose the ban on the parent, giving the parent a period in which they may respond in writing giving their version and why they should not be banned;
• tell the parent when a decision will be made.

5.1        The length of a ban

The ban should be finite in length, as only the most serious misconduct would justify an indefinite ban. The duration needs to be sufficient to convey a clear message about the seriousness of the associated misconduct, but not so long as to be disproportionate. The aim should always be to restore “normal” relations as soon as is reasonably practicable. Even if a ban is permanent, it should be reviewed periodically, taking account of subsequently demonstrated patterns of behaviour.

5.2        What does a ban achieve?

• it confirms to a parent that the school will not tolerate misbehaviour;
• Ensures the school is a safe place to learn and work in
• shows the school takes health and safety of its staff, visitors and pupils seriously;
• it provides a key element in making it easier to use legal remedies to prevent repeated misconduct, including use of S547 of the1996 Education Act to enable Police removal and possible prosecution of those on school premises without permission;
• it may form the basis for an application for an injunction to curtail repeated instances of misbehaviour.

6.  Parental rights

Every attempt will be made to maintain normal communications with parents/carers. Even where a parent/carer has been banned from the school premises, they retain their right to an annual consultation in relation to the educational progress of their child/ren. However, the school may determine who will be present at the meeting (e.g. a senior member of staff might accompany the class teacher) and its location (e.g. it may well be arranged off site). There may be other circumstances where the school requires the presence of the parent/carer on the school site eg: progress meeting.

The interests of the child should continue to be paramount.  

7. Recording of Incidents

The Incident Report Form (Appendix 1) will assist with the recording of any incidents of abuse, threatening behaviour or violence against any members of CBSC. A record of an incident will help in the collection of evidence where necessary, such as when proceedings are being brought against an alleged assailant, this record will be held in accordance with GDPR regulations.

Available photographic evidence of any injuries or damage, relevant CCTV footage or recordings of calls (CBSC calls are recorded) will also be kept. These details of incidents will also help in reviewing the schools policy and may inform future risk assessments.

If there is an injury to staff from an assault, we  may need to report the injury to the health and safety executive (HSE) under the requirements of the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR), as amended in 2012

8. Section 547, Education Act 1996

Any letters issued to parents will detail how CBSC  might use section 547 of the Education Act 1996.

Section 547 makes it an offence for a trespasser on school premises to cause or permit a nuisance or disturbance and allows for the removal and prosecution of any person believed to have committed the offence. The penalty for a person convicted of the offence is a fine of up to £500.

A parent/carer of a child attending CBSC normally has implied permission (limited licence) to be on the school's premises at certain times and for certain purposes but if their behaviour is unreasonable this permission may be withdrawn, and they will become a trespasser.

A person who nevertheless persists in entering the school premises and displaying unreasonable behaviour may be removed and prosecuted under section 547.

In the case of an academy, the Trust Board or by delegation the Principal can independently authorise the removal of someone from the premises and may also authorise a person to bring proceedings against that individual. Additionally, in all situations the police are authorised to remove someone from Academy premises and to bring proceedings for an offence under this section.

9. Review and Monitoring

This Policy will be reviewed by the Trust every two years. All incidences of aggressive or abusive behaviour directed towards staff, students, visitors or volunteers by a Parent/Carer or member of the Public will be recorded and reported to the Trust Board to inform review of this policy

Appendix 1        

Incident Reporting Form

Relevant incidents include trespass, nuisance or disturbance on school premises, verbal abuse, sexual or racial abuse, threats, aggression, physical violence and intentional damage to property.  Where possible, the form should be completed before any discussion between witnesses is possible, as this might lead to allegations of collusion. This form should be completed as fully as possible please, using a continuation sheet, if necessary. For any incident involving or witnessed by a student or parent/carer/visitor, a member of staff should complete the form on their behalf.  

The completed form should be passed to the Principal, for appropriate action and recording.

Appendix 2        

Unreasonable Parents/Carers - Staff Guidance

All CBSC staff should expect to be treated with respect and dignity by parents and other members of the public. This document sets out guidelines to enable staff to deal fairly and appropriately with unreasonable complaints or unreasonable parents and those who harass members of staff in school.

In implementing this approach staff will seek to ensure that their actions are in accordance with obligations under the Human Rights Act 1998 and the Convention Rights embodied within it in order to protect the Human Rights of both parents and all other stakeholders.

Parents/carers/members of the public who raise either informal or formal complaints with the school can expect:

• the CBSC complaints procedure to be accessible and followed
• to be listened to and treated with respect

Definition of an unreasonable complaint / unreasonable parent

A persistent complainant is a parent/carer or member of the public who repeatedly complains about issues (either formally or informally) that have already been addressed, and/or whose behaviour is unreasonable. This may be characterised by:

• actions or contact which may be viewed as obsessive, persistent, harassing, prolific, or repetitious
• an insistence upon pursuing unmeritorious complaints and/or unrealistic outcomes
• an insistence upon revisiting meritorious complaints in an aggressive or inappropriate manner.

Harassment is unreasonable contact with staff in such a way that:

• appears to be targeted over a significant period of time on individual members of CMAT staff
• causes on-going distress to individual CBSC staff through their conduct or actions
•  has a significantly adverse effect on the whole/parts of the school

In all such cases, staff are advised to seek advice around appropriate actions from a line manager.

On the School Premises

If a parent, carer or member of the public begins to exhibit aggressive or abusive behaviour towards any member of staff, a student, visitor or volunteer whilst on the school premises the nearest member of staff shall contact the most senior member of staff possible and inform them of the situation. Where possible the Senior Member of Staff will attend and take charge of further actions. The complainant MUST NOT be allowed access to a staff member about whom they are complaining. If it is safe to do so, the Senior Member of Staff shall try to get the complainant to sit down quietly in a private location (office etc.) and invite another member of staff to join them. Leave clear access to the door, leaving the door open.

If this is not possible, ensure the area is cleared of unnecessary people (students, staff or visitors) who could be at risk from harm should the situation escalate.

• Explain that what the complainant is saying is important, that the individual they are concerned about is not available but that the school wishes to hear what they have to say
• Explain that  the information they have provided has been taken seriously and will have to be passed to SMT who will investigate and respond directly to them (explain this may take a few days as investigations need to be made)
• Explain that if they are not satisfied they are entitled to take raise the complaint under the CBSC Complaints Policy (offer them a copy)
• Try to get them to leave in a calm and quiet manner  If at any stage matters start to get out of control, the conversation/meeting should be terminated (as politely as possible) and additional help shall be summoned .

In extreme cases, (e.g. threatened or actual physical violence or assault, refusal to leave the premises etc.) the Senior Member of Staff shall summon the Police immediately.

Over the Telephone

If a parent, carer or member of the public begins to exhibit aggressive or abusive behaviour (e.g. use of foul language or verbal threats) towards any member of staff during a telephone call, the member of staff shall

• Calmly state that the language used is unacceptable and that they will end the call if it continues
• Try to establish the name and contact details of the caller and the nature of the issue, if possible, and state that a member of the SMT will return their call as soon as possible
• End the call. Make notes of what was said immediately on termination of the call and then report the incident to a member of SMT
• A member of the SMT team will contact the caller to establish the nature of the complaint and try to resolve the problem.

Written Abuse

If a member of staff receives written correspondence (e.g. letter, e-mail or text) of a threatening or abusive nature from a parent, carer or member of the public, this shall be reported immediately to a member of SMT and a copy retained as evidence.

The receiving member of staff will not reply to the correspondence without first agreeing the response with the SMT (or, in preference, SMT will respond on their behalf). Whilst CBSC will make every effort to resolve any concern raised by the complainant, consideration may also be given to involving the Police, especially where threats of violence have been made

Our aim is for staff to feel protected from unreasonable behaviour by the complainant in the pursuance of a resolution for their complaint.

Appendix 3        Sample letters for unreasonable behaviour

Sample 1

Dear……….

I am writing to ask you not to communicate with staff in the tone and manner in the email / letter / phone call / meeting (add date). As you may understand this is unacceptable behaviour towards our staff who have the right to be treated with respect and dignity by parents as well as students.

If this type of communication is repeated I will need to ask that in future, all correspondence regarding (insert name/(s)) education is in writing and is addressed to me. Any meetings that may be necessary to have at school with his teachers regarding(insert name/(s)) education are also conducted with me present. I would be very happy to discuss your concerns with you in person and am keen to ensure that we can continue to work together positively.

Could I also ask that if you wish to make a complaint, please refer to the Complaints Policy document and procedure on the website.

Sample 2

Good afternoon

I have been informed that you were in school this morning and were waiting to see a member of staff.

Unfortunately, I have also been informed that whilst you were waiting you were using very inappropriate language (detail the incident)

As you will appreciate, we always aim to resolve any issues in a mature and calm manner, in order that our young people learn how to resolve disagreements effectively and safely. I am sure you are also aware that our Reception is a space where members of the public will gain their first impressions of the school and as such we ask that all visitors behave in a respectful manner.

I recognise that at times adults may feel aggrieved or upset but as a school is primarily a place of education I hope that you will bear this in mind on the next occasion you visit the school.

 Regards