Behaviour checklist published

A new checklist of what schools can do to instil good behaviour in the classroom has been published by the government's expert adviser on behaviour, Charlie Taylor.

The checklist – Getting the Simple Things Right – was developed by Mr Taylor, a headteacher, following a recent behaviour summit, where outstanding headteachers from schools in areas of high deprivation gathered to discuss the key principles for improving behaviour.

The checklist includes:

- Ensuring absolute clarity about the expected standard of pupils' behaviour.
- Displaying school rules clearly in classes and around the building.
- Ensuring that children actually receive rewards every time they have earned them and receive a sanction every time they behave badly.
- Taking action to deal with poor teaching or staff who fail to follow the behaviour policy.
- Ensuring pupils come in from the playground and move around the school in an orderly manner.
- Ensuring that the senior leadership team, like the head and assistant head, are a visible presence around the school, including in the lunch hall and playground, and not confined to offices.