PBH BOARDING RULEBOOK - Kensington Park School Rulebook... · 2020. 9. 15. · PBH Commendation (online voucher) – Consistent high effort & engagement towards PBH community. Organising

PBH BOARDING RULEBOOK

INDEX DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS _____________________________________________ 4

STATEMENT OF BOARDING PRINCIPLES AND PRACTISE __________________________ 4

RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS _____________________________________ 5

RECOGNITION & REWARD ______________________________________________________ 6

SANCTION ____________________________________________________________________ 6

ATTENDANCE & MONITORING__________________________________________________ 7

ALCOHOL, SMOKING, DRUG & SUBSTANCE MISUSE _____________________________ 11

THEFT _______________________________________________________________________ 16

ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR & PROPERTY DAMAGE – VANDALISM & GRAFFITI ________ 16

RESTRICTED ITEMS ____________________________________________________________ 17

GAMBLING AND BETTING _____________________________________________________ 17

PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS ____________________________________________________ 17

BEING ABSENT WITHOUT PERMISSION _________________________________________ 18

OUT OF BOUNDS _____________________________________________________________ 18

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DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONSPBH – Princess Beatrice House – the boarding house. 192 Finborough Road, London, SW10 9BA

KPS – Kensington Park School

BP – Bark Place – KPS Yr7-11-40-44 Bark Place, W2 4AT

QG – Queen’s Gate – KPS 6th Form – 59 Queen’s Gate, SW7 5JP

DFE – Department for Education

KCSIE – Keeping Children Safe in Education.

Students – all children, teenagers and young adults that reside in the boarding and are under legal loco-parentis of the HoB.

CSA – Compulsory School Age – students that are aged 15 or under on 1st September 2020

Senior – Any student aged 16 or over on 1st September 2020

Staff – Any adult working or living within any KPS building. This includes any sub-contractors

Boardingware – BW – PBH’s online information management system.

HoB – Head of Boarding

DHoB – Deputy Head of Boarding

DS – Duty Staff

STATEMENT OF BOARDING PRINCIPLES AND PRACTISE PBH provides a boarding service for KPS students. KPS believes that the community atmosphere of the schools is greatly enhanced by the presence of boarders. Boarding is offered to those students (from the UK or overseas) who wish to board as full, weekly, or flexi boarders. The strategic leadership and all matters relating to boarding across all KPS is the responsibility of the HoB. The DHoB, and their team of DS, manage the day-to-day operations of the boarding house. The boarding team’s pastoral work is essential to maintain the smooth running of the boarding community, and enhances the quality of life of the students. Also central to our provision is the role of the nurse, who reports to the HoB and oversees boarding medical provision.

NMS 1.1; Appendix 1.14

Admissions into Boarding

The students are assessed for admission along the same lines as all other students in the school; by interview, in person in the UK or in their home country, or alternatively by Skype. Some scholarships are also available for boarders. The admissions staff, under the direction of the Director of Admissions, handles all registrations and admissions for the schools (whether boarding or day students).

Facilities

PBH opened in 2014 and includes its own catering and dining room, providing breakfasts and the evening meal; lunch is provided at KPS. PBH has a communal recreation space to be used for both socialising and studying. There is filtered Wi-Fi throughout PBH. Each student is allocated to a single gendered floor in double or single rooms. Students from KPS are accommodated in PBH.

Boarding Ethos

The ethos of the boarding house is one of inclusion and support for boarders, with high quality pastoral care being provided by specialist boarding staff who themselves are an integral part of the community. KPS and its institutions, seek to develop the whole student, by addressing what we consider the important facets of a rounded education, which prepares students for life after school. In line with the whole school aims and ethos, we offer activities for students which stretch and challenge their academic life, and which enhance and add to their holistic wellbeing and development. We provide an environment for students in which they can achieve at the highest level academically and otherwise.

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RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONSNMS 12.1; 16.1

Rights

To be educated in a safe and secure environment.

To be treated fairly, consistently, and with respect.

To have equal access to opportunities to develop to their full potential and achieve academic success.

To have effort and learning valued.

To be listened to.

To be able to trust staff.

Responsibilities

To follow boarding rules and accept ownership for their learning and behaviour.

To respect the views, rights and property of others and behave safely at all times in and out of the school and boarding buildings.

To listen to others.

To cooperate with staff.

Expectations

Consider the needs and feelings of others and behave accordingly.

Show kindness and consideration for their fellow students, staff & visitors at all times.

Hold doors for others.

Use respectful and appropriate language

Celebrate diversity with and beyond KPS.

Routines

A consistent routine is the cornerstone of holistic development and personal discipline. Routines shape successful habits. The below sections outline our habits which are followed throughout term time;

NMS 2.1; 2.2; 8.1; 9.1; 10.2; 10.4; 12.1; 15.3; 15.4; 15.5

Meals

In PBH

Breakfast – Monday – Friday 07:30 to 08:30

Dinner – Monday – Sunday 17:30 to 18:30

Brunch – Saturday & Sunday 11:00 to 12:00

At School

Lunch – at school Monday – Friday 12:45 to 14:00

Kitchenettes

Please see boarding guidelines for more information

Takeaways

We actively encourage all students to make full use of the catering facilities available to minimise waste and promote healthy eating.

The ordering of takeaways is permitted but the frequency of purchases will be monitored in line with our wellbeing policy.

Takeaways must be ordered in enou gh time for delivery to be made before the boarding house closes for the night.

Students may order takeaways from 17:00 Friday until 19:00 Sunday.

The ordering of takeaways is a privilege that can be removed as a sanction.

Prep

A school term for homework/school preparation time. Academic work is carried out in silence in your own personal room.

Sunday – Thursday 19:00 to 21:00

If no work has been set, the expectation of the student is to actively seek out additional work to develop their understanding and knowledge in preparation for upcoming study.

Registration

In line government guidelines and school safeguarding regulations, PBH has a duty of care to record the whereabouts of the students living in PBH. Please see section 7.2 of this document for more information.

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Pastoral Care

Each floor is overseen by a tutor who will be the primary point of contact for the students living on that floor. Each week the floor meets to share notices and discuss upcoming activities. For more information please see the wellbeing policy.

Laundry

Each floor is allocated two days a week in order to carry out their own personal laundry. Bedding & bathmats are washed and replaced weekly.

Cleaning

Each room is cleaned once a week by resident cleaners. Cleaners will clean bathrooms, kitchen and floors. It is the expectation of the students to keep their room tidy and in a state suitable for a staff member to enter. If a student has left their room in an inappropriate state then their room may not be cleaned until the room is organised.

RECOGNITION & REWARDThere are a number of ways in which the positive behaviour of all students is recognised and rewarded.

NMS 12.1; Appendix 1.3

Informally

Verbal Praise – acts of kindness

Written Praise – helping staff or tidy room

Recognition in floor meetings – tidiest room, acts of integrity within community

Communication with parents – positive contribution towards community

Article in bulletin & end of term newsletter – a single outstanding act of generosity or kindness.

Formally

BW merit – consistent punctuality, proactive communication, helping others, assisting in routines, staff noted effort.

Takeaway voucher (5x BW merits) – see above.

PBH Commendation (online voucher) – Consistent high effort & engagement towards PBH community. Organising events.

SANCTIONWhen there has been a breach of any outlined policy within the boarding handbook, or any school documentation, then the use of effective sanctions will be considered and used appropriately. The use of these actions is as a tool to effect reformation of habits and instil good practise for the benefit of the individual and all concerned.

NMS 12.1; 12.2; 16.1; Appendix 1.3

Guidelines for imposing actions

Fair and consistent

Proportional

Distinguish between minor and serious as well as isolated and persistent.

Not used to degrade or humiliated.

Corporal punishment is forbidden in all circumstances for all students as specified under Section 131 of the Colleges Standards and Framework Act 1998. Should any use of restraint by staff be required, it will be reasonable, proportionate and lawful. The circumstances in which staff can intervene using reasonable force are covered by the 1996 Education Act, with further guidance contained in the DfE non-statutory advice

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document Use of Reasonable Force (July 2013). Restraint will only be used when immediately necessary and for the minimum time necessary to prevent a student from doing or continuing to do any of the following:

• committing a criminal offence

• injuring themselves or others

• causing damage to property, including their own

Engaging in any behaviour prejudicial to good order and discipline at PBH or among any of its students, whether that behaviour occurs in PBH or elsewhere. Where restraint is used by staff, it must be reported to the HoB by DS. All such instances will be recorded in writing in the student’s file and parents will always be informed.

Low level sanction – three strike procedure (issuing staff)

Verbal – discipline note on BW. (DS)

2nd verbal – discipline note & watch list on BW. (DS)

3rd Verbal – discipline note, watch list & 1-week early rise (report to DS ready for school by 8am). (DS)

Additional sanctions used if reformation is not in evidence;

• Community service (DS)

• Written letter of apology for actions (DHoB)

• Email to parents (DHoB)

• Weekend exeat & privileges removed (DHoB)

• Removal of luxury items (electronic devices) (HoB)

• Suspension from boarding (HoB)

• Permanent exclusion from boarding (HoB)

ATTENDANCE & MONITORINGNMS 12.1; 15.3; 15.4; 15.5; 15.6

Aims

Implement consistently the procedures for monitoring and responding to unacceptable or exceptional levels of attendance and punctuality.

To emphasise to all students (and to their parents and guardians) the importance of proactive communication and timely attendance as habits of best practise to maximise chances of success. Put simply, consistent absence and/or lateness strongly correlate with poorer educational outcomes.

To clarify the roles and responsibilities of all the relevant parties with respect to timely attendance and proactive communication.

To communicate to all relevant parties, the legal position with respect to attendance, and in particular with respect to the concepts of authorised and unauthorised absences.

To ensure that regulatory requirements for maintaining attendance registers are met.

Registrations

Every student within PBH is expected to report to reception at each of the below outlined registration times. Lateness & absence is recorded and monitored, with sanction imposed should the need arise.

Weekday – 18:00 Sunday to 19:00 Friday

Morning Registration – CSA & Senior 07:30 to 08:30

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Evening Registration – CSA & Senior 18:00 to 18:30

Bedtime Registration – CSA 21:15 to 21:30 & Senior 21:45 to 22:00

Weekend – 19:00 Friday to18:00 Sunday

Morning Registration – CSA & Senior 09:00 to 12:00

Bedtime Registration – CSA 21:45 to 22:00 & Senior 22:15 to 22:30

Signing Out

Outside of the aforementioned registration times – if students leave PBH they must sign out. Signing out is completed using our BW kiosk located outside reception and instructions are available from DS. Any breach of the signing out procedure may involve sanction.

CSA

Must sign out with another member of PBH and must remain with that person for the duration of their time outside of the building.

Must confirm with DS where they’re intending to go and for how long.

If out for longer than two hours must call DS to check in.

Cannot be out for longer than four hours in any one go. They must return to boarding no later than four hours after they left.

Permission can be sought in advance to miss evening roll call on the weekends.

16+

Must check in every four hours with DS.

Permission can be sought in advance to miss evening roll call on the weekend only.

Permission can be sought in advance to stay out 30 minutes after curfew on the weekend only. This decision is at the discretion of the DS.

All students must be in their rooms by the following times;

Weekdays –

Curfew – CSAs 21:30 & Senior 22:00

In rooms – CSAs 22:00 & Senior 22:30

Weekends –

Curfew – CSAs 22:00 & Senior 22:30

In rooms – all students 23:00 (extended by permission only)

Exeats

If a student would like to stay overnight away from PBH during term time then an exeat request must be submitted at least 48 hours in advance of the proposed overnight stay. Any breach of the exeat procedure may involve sanction.

Request can be submitted through BW, linking the parent, student and DS into the decision making.

CSA – Any exeat request must have a suitable adult listed to take care of them. This adult must be 25 years old or more, provide suitable ID and have contact details confirmed before

an exeat request is confirmed. The same adult must collect and return the student to PBH.

16+ – with parental confirmation received, may travel to exeat destination unaccompanied. Adult supervision (as outlined in 8.4.2) is still expected.

18+ – with parental confirmation received, 18+ students may take an exeat without a supervising adult allocated.

At the discretion of the DS, late exeat requests can be denied and accepted.

If an exeat is taken, then students are not permitted to return to boarding until at least 12:00 on the following day. Students should return from weekend exeats no later than 18:30 on Sundays in order to attend prep.

End of Term & half term planning

Travel plans and destinations for the end of term and half term must be communicated pro-actively to DS.

Registration States

Below are a list of terms used when completing a registration relating to a student’s whereabouts.

Lateness – managed to get to reception or contacted DS in advance but did not meet timings outlined.

‘Had to chase’ – following a student’s absence from registration, DS have contacted student to find out whereabouts.

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Absences – student has missed any given registration altogether.

Authorised – permission granted in advance to miss registration. Examples;

• Pre-arranged exeat/pass

• Medical appointment

• Dental appointment

• Academic tuition or external examination.

• Religious observance

Unauthorised – no permission sought or permission sought and not granted.

• Attend leisure activity (physical training & sports activity) without prior agreed PBH permission.

• Care for a relative without prior agreed PBH permission.

• Collection of a delivery without prior agreed PBH permission.

• Restaurant booking or service late running.

• Transport problems (tube, taxi, bus, map reading)

• Communication device ran out of battery.

Monitoring & recording

Registrations must be completed by DS as directed above. The DS are required to follow up on absence and the HoB will monitor reasons for lateness, persistent poor punctuality and absence. PBH will also reward the positive aspects of attendance according to its policies of rewards and sanctions. Attendance must be recorded in PBH’s management information system: BW. Note the regulatory requirements for the appropriate back-up and retention of records. In the event of IT problems preventing the recording of attendance in the system at the appropriate points in the day, paper templates for each registration group should be made available for DS to complete and the information transcribed into the system as soon as possible.

Missing Child Procedure

Occasionally students may be unaccounted for, for a variety of reasons. Usually students are found within minutes of being ‘missing’. In any case, PBH will use the following procedures:

Registration is completed on BW. Any absentees must be followed up with by DS immediately;

If school staff have any concern that a student may be considered as missing from school, i.e. absent without an acknowledged reason, they will inform the DS of this.

DS will go through the following steps:

• Check BW. Last registration and last sign out location.

• Check school nurse & illness report.

• Check student room.

• Contact student on teams/telephone/Whatsapp.

• Contact student’s peers.

If no contact has been made with a student at this point then the DS will inform the appropriate senior staff (HoB and/or DSL/DHoB) immediately;

The senior staff will institute a house wide search by co-ordinating a team of staff;

They will report back to the senior staff as soon as is practicable;

If the student is not discovered within the hour the senior staff will determine any further action and will inform the police;

The senior staff will inform the parents;

The senior staff will inform the Chair of Governors;

Once the police are involved, PBH will follow the directions of the police officer in charge.

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ALCOHOL, SMOKING, DRUG & SUBSTANCE MISUSE

Review & Revision

Last reviewed – March 2020 (BR & PS)

Next review – March 2021

NMS 3.1; 9.4; 12.1; 12.2; Appendices 1.3; 1.18

Aims and Objectives

Prevent – students from misusing substances (both legal and illegal) during term time and to discourage their use at any time.

Educate – It is vital that all students are helped to understand the dangers of substance misuse and dependency.

Support – PBH has a professional responsibility to provide support and counselling for any students and their families who encounter problems with substance abuse. At the same time, it will take any necessary disciplinary or other appropriate action. It is also PBH’s responsibility to protect the community, as much as it can, from dangerous influences and these include illegal substances.

Uphold law and outline legal responsibility – explain the legal situation with regards to the use and misuse of substances. Inform students and parents of the consequences of involvement with illegal substances.

Linked policies and cross-references

Child Protection & Safeguarding policy

Medical Care Policy

Search Policy

KPS – Illegal Substances, Smoking & Alcohol Policy

6 Sanction

Importance

PBH fully recognises their legal, social, and pastoral responsibilities to protect students from danger and provide them with a safe learning environment whilst in our care. We recognise that substance misuse amongst young people in this country is an ever – increasing problem. It has therefore become necessary for all schools to have a policy in place. The implementation of this policy is an integral part of the conditions under which a student is accepted at PBH. Students or parents may not opt out of any part of it. The boarding community extends beyond the walls of PBH. Students may not use substances, as defined by section 9.5.1 of this policy, at any time.

Prohibited activities & substances

Drugs & related substances – PBH forbids a student from the possession, use, or supply of drugs and related substances; this includes (but is not limited to):

Drugs defined by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 such as Heroin, Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, Amphetamine Sulphate, MDMA (Ecstasy tablets) and Cannabis;

Legally purchased, or prescribed, medication that is being used for purposes other than intended or prescribed, such as Anti-depressants, Steroids and Benzodiazepines;

Substances which are not illegal but which may have an intoxicating and/or stimulating and/or hallucinating and / or mind altering effect. The use of animal, mineral or vegetable products which have such an effect, for example magic mushrooms, Students misusing such substances (including possession or supply of such substances) will be dealt with in a similar fashion to those who use illegal substances;

Any other substance that can be purchased legally, such as glue, solvents performance related drugs, anabolic steroids, and ‘legal highs’, if they are being held or supplied for misuse. Mood-enhancing products, such as Nitrous Oxide, “Poppers” and other so – called ‘legal highs’ are absolutely forbidden. Stimulants such as “Pro Plus” are also not permitted, nor is drug related paraphernalia. This is not an exhaustive list.

Although boarding students are permitted to take over the counter vitamins and minerals, at the discretion of their parents, the use of supplements, such as protein shakes, creatine and other performance enhancing aids are not permitted within PBH for any student under 18 years. For students 18 years and over, the use of these supplements, is heavily discouraged, and those wishing to take such products do so at their own risk. These must not be used in the company of younger students.

Smoking including using e-cigarettes and vaporisers

Students are not allowed to smoke on School premises, which includes in vehicles, or when otherwise occupied in school activities. This also includes anywhere within three metres of PBH or other School buildings. Smoking is a health and safety

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risk and is particularly serious in-house as it exposes others to passive smoking and poses a significant fire risk. Smoking in public buildings in England is illegal and carries a heavy fine. It is also an offence to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18.

Sanction will be applied to any student who is:

Caught smoking, including using e-cigarettes and vaporisers or

Suspected of smoking (for example by virtue of smelling of smoke) or

Found in possession of tobacco or smoking paraphernalia, including nicotine substitutes or

Found to have been consorting with smokers or found to have supplied such products to other students will be subject to PBH’s sanctions procedure.

In accordance with PBH sanction procedure, serious or persistent offences may result in temporary or permanent exclusion from boarding or school.

Alcohol

Irrespective of age, during term time, no PBH student is permitted to consume alcohol. Whilst other cultural and international regulations may exist, PBH retains the right to control such a substance whilst students are in their care.

Sanction will be applied to any student who is found:

• consuming alcohol.

• in possession of alcohol.

• obtaining alcohol.

• supplying alcohol.

• being impaired by alcohol.

Bringing PBH into disrepute for any reason associated with alcohol.

In accordance with PBH sanction procedure, serious or persistent offences may result in temporary or permanent exclusion from boarding or school.

Education

Please see PSHE policy & Wellbeing policy for further information.

Staff Training

Staff receive regular training on how to recognise and manage issues around drugs, alcohol and smoking.

Concerns around adult misuse

If a parent or guardian attending PBH appears to be under the influence of a substance, they will be asked to leave and DS making the request should refer the matter to the HoB.

If DS suspects that a parent or guardian has driven, or will drive, whilst under the influence of a substance or is not fit to have the care of a child, the DS should report the matter to the HoB or DHoB who may telephone the police if it is considered appropriate. If the HoB or DHoB reasonably believes that a student or other child is at immediate risk of harm from a parent or guardian who is under the influence of a substance, the student or other child will not be released into the care of the parent or guardian until appropriate measures have been taken. These may include involving another member of the family, social services or the police.

Medical Response

See medical care policy

A 999 call must be made if a student is considered to need emergency treatment. The HoB must be notified immediately. If any items relating to the substance misuse (including needles, pills or drugs etc) are found, the HoB should be notified so that safe disposal can be arranged or the materials held securely until they can be handed over to the police.

Searches

The law provides schools with powers designed to help school staff maintain good discipline. Head teachers, and staff authorised by them, have a statutory power to search students and their possessions without consent when they have reasonable cause to suspect that a student may have a prohibited item, including alcohol, drugs, tobacco and other restricted items. Staff may seize any prohibited item as a result of a search. Please refer to the Search Policy which regulates the circumstances in which searches may be carried out and the way in which they should be undertaken. Parents do not need to be asked to consent to a search being undertaken.

Police Involvement

If PBH seizes a controlled drug it may be disposed of by the HoB or DHoB. Alternatively, PBH will arrange for it to be collected by the Police as soon as practicable.

PBH may decide to request the involvement of the Police from the outset. If the Police suspect that a student possesses or has stored drugs, substances or related items, the Police may elect to investigate using their own procedures or may pass the matter back to PBH to investigate.

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Concerns in respect of substance misuse

If staff, parents/guardians or fellow students have concerns regarding substance misuse, it is in the interests of the student concerned that the information is shared in a sensitive manner with the HoB and/or DHoB. The information will be handled appropriately and in line with linked policies.

Matters brought into counselling by a student or his / her parents, in circumstances that are genuine, will be “ring-fenced” from sanctions or adverse report. However, a student suspected of involvement with smoking, alcohol, or drugs or substances outside of this context is likely to face disciplinary consequences. The supportive regime (as outlined in section 9.14.5) may be invoked in certain circumstances, according to the Headmaster’s discretion, and modified as appropriate.

Suspicion of misuse may arise from behavioural changes leading to deterioration in demeanour and/or performance of the student. Reason to suspect use of illegal drugs may arise as a result of information or a complaint received or because of a student’s behaviour such as:

• A decline in performance in school work;

• Marked swings in mood;

• Excessive tiredness;

• Sores and rashes especially on the mouth or nose;

• A lack of interest in physical appearance;

• An unwillingness to take part in School activities

Other signs or evidence, such as the smell from certain substances on a student, the finding of certain items of equipment, behaviour on a particular occasion, or other information that has been gathered – this could include from other students.

It is, however, important to recognise that most young people will experience some or many of the above symptoms during their school career with no link to the use of harmful substances, and reporting of suspicions must be handled sensitively and with common sense.

Substance detection and testing

Where there are concerns of substance misuse, the student will meet with the HoB and DHoB to discuss the concerns that have arisen. Details of this meeting will be placed on CPOMS.

If, following discussion, more information is needed to eliminate or confirm the use of specific harmful substances, drug screening may take place. It is a means by which a student who denies any involvement in substance misuse may be cleared of concern. A positive result may be the first step to help a student face up to the difficulties they may be having and will enable that student to access the support needed to stop substance misuse.

Saliva sample: If, outside the context of confidential counselling, there is reason to suspect that a student has been involved with drugs or substances, they may be asked to supply a saliva sample for analysis. The reason for this policy is:

To deter the use of drugs and substances

To identify users

To absolve those who have been wrongly suspected

Informed consent: The relevant consent to a drugs test is that of the student rather than the parents if the student is over 16 years of age, unless the student is deemed not to have sufficient capacity to consent (for example due to disability).

If the student is under 16 years of age, their consent will be sought provided they are of sufficient maturity and understanding and gives their informed consent in writing. The member of staff undertaking the test will determine whether or not the student is able to provide this consent. In the event that a student is not deemed to be of sufficient maturity and understanding to provide informed consent, their parents or guardian’s consent will be sought.

In addition, as a matter of routine, it is a condition of acceptance of a new student into PBH that a signed consent form is returned to the School by the parents to demonstrate their support for the procedure.

Notifying parents: Reasonable endeavours will be made, before a saliva sample is taken, to notify a parent, guardian or education guardian of the requirement for a saliva sample and the reasons for that requirement. This will not apply if parents have already been informed that a student has been put onto the testing programme, in which case PBH may not inform the student’s parents before each individual test.

Refusal: If a student or their parent on their behalf (in appropriate circumstances as per 9.13.5) refuses to provide a saliva sample they will be asked to say why they have refused. PBH will be entitled to draw inferences from their response and general demeanour and the police may be informed. HoB will consider what sanction should apply and will work in collaboration from will work in collaboration with KPS SMT.

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Testing procedures: These will be in accordance with standard good practice. Care will be taken to make as certain as possible that the sample provided is genuine and uncontaminated.

The saliva sample will be taken under the supervision of a minimum of two members of staff. Either the DHoB/HoB will also be present. All due care will be taken to respect the student’s privacy and human rights.

The testing swab will be placed under the students’ tongue by a member of staff wearing gloves as appropriate. Once the swab is ready it will be entered into the testing pot in front of both the student and a second member of staff.

The student will be ask to sign a consent form prior to the test being administered. They will also be asked to sign a form which signifies that they are satisfied with the collection procedure and gives consent for the results of the test being made available to relevant members of SMT, and such other members of staff who need to know. Confidentiality will be preserved.

Medical record: The outcome of the test, whether positive or negative, will not form part of the student’s permanent medical record, but will form part of their disciplinary record.

Subsequent action

Procedure:

PBH will treat a positive test, although not infallible, as evidence that the student has been using drugs as appropriate. A meeting will be arranged at which:

The student will be asked to attend a meeting with the HoB with their parents, educational guardian, or a member of the School staff chosen by the student to assist them;

The evidence of the positive sample and all other relevant evidence will be put to the student and they will be invited to respond;

Their response will be heard, considered and further enquiries will be made if necessary;

The HoB will make a finding of fact on the balance of probabilities based on the evidence and supported by reasons.

Sanction: If the HoB’s decision is that the student has been using drugs, the KPS SMT will be informed.

The KPS SMT will treat each case individually based on the findings presented by the HoB. Full contextual judgement and discretion will be applied to the full array of factors affecting both the individuals concerned and the wider community.

It is SMTs discretion, in some circumstances and conditions, to implement a supportive sanction plan (SCAP). In order for SCAP to be considered the student must fulfil the below criteria.

The student must have no previous record of serious breach of the School’s discipline in a related matter;

The offence must be the use, or possession of, a drug / drugs (caught with the drug or direct evidence of drug use);

The student must show genuine remorse;

The student must no longer use drugs;

The student must cooperate in identifying sources of supply;

Parents must signal their unequivocal endorsement of the School’s policy

The parents must consent to the School’s right to require the student to undergo regular testing for drug use, and agree to cover the cost of the tests.

Refusal to take a drug test whilst on SCAP or a subsequent positive test will result in permanent exclusion.

The procedures in the safeguarding and child protection policy will be followed.

Charges – Invoices for any drugs test will be passed directly to the Accounts Office when appropriate. The School will cover the cost of a first test required by the School which is negative, but parents will be charged for a first test if it is positive and for any subsequent tests in accordance with this policy.

Complaints procedure – The complaints policy will apply and is available on the School’s website and in hard copy form.

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THEFTis defined by the law as ‘the appropriation of property belonging to another with the intention of permanently depriving the other of it’. It is illegal and a criminal offence. The legal definition of theft applies at PBH. Confusion arises over the difference between theft and borrowing. Borrowing is the appropriation of property belonging to another with the intention of returning it. If this is done without the permission of the owner, then PBH considers this to be theft. Sanction procedures will be applied in any cases of theft.

NMS 9.3; 9.4; 12.1; Appendix 1.3

PBH instils in a proactive approach towards the prevention of theft by asking students to ensure;

Rooms should be locked when vacated.

No student should carry large sums of money on their person.

PIN numbers of cash cards should never be divulged.

All valuables (e.g. electronic equipment), when not in use, should be secured in rooms.

What to do if a theft occurs;

If an item goes missing, first ensure that it has not been mislaid. (If any item is reported stolen, and is then found to have been mislaid, sanction will be applied).

Report the matter to DS, as soon as possible.

The DS will ask for a written description of the item and should note the circumstances surrounding the theft. DS will;

Notify appropriate peers via teams asking for information and safe return.

If there is sufficient evidence of potential theft then the HoB will be informed and room searches will be undertaken (see search policy).

In the case of large or repeated theft, a blanket punishment may be considered. Students should consider it their duty to give staff information that will help the investigation.

When a person steals, it may sometimes be an indication of unhappiness or psychological instability; this means that the culprit should receive personal care and compassion. This does not, however, exclude the punishment demanded by public justice.

In some cases theft might be considered a subconscious attention seeking action. Any such instances, indications will be brought to evidence alongside a student’s previous record. The sanction of implementing an individual wellbeing action plan will involve the SMT and DSL at KPS.

Students are expected to be honest with regard to property that they find and which does not belong to them. They should hand in anything that they find at the soonest possible opportunity.

ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR & PROPERTY DAMAGE – VANDALISM & GRAFFITINMS 12.1; Appendix 1.3

PBH is a member of the local community in which the property is situated. As such, all staff and students have a civic duty to be upstanding members of the community. All individuals associated with PBH should;

Treat the general public with respect.

Ensure that their actions or behaviours are not disruptive or disturbing to others.

Actions and/or behaviours that are deemed anti-social will have sanction applied appropriately. The severity of action will be measured circumstantially.

Vandalism and graffiti on school and boarding buildings premises and elsewhere are regarded as serious breaches of policy.

Students must immediately report to a member of staff any damage caused to property either on purpose or accidentally.

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RESTRICTED ITEMSNMS 9.4; 12.1; Appendix 1.3

Certain items are deemed as prohibited or restricted. An item may be prohibited if it poses a threat to others or to good order, poses a health and safety risk, is counter to the ethos of PBH, or is illegal. Any prohibited items found by boarding staff may be confiscated as a reasonable course of action. Any prohibited items which are confiscated will not be returned to the student.

Any search for restricted items will be conducted as set out in PBH’s Search and Privacy Policy, and in line with the DfE’s latest guidance on searching, screening and confiscation (2018).

Possession of restricted items is considered to be a serious breach of trust and appropriate sanction will be applied.

Items which are restricted include:

• Knives, including flip/pen knives

• Other weapons, including BB guns

• Fireworks

• Pornographic material

• All items under section 8 of this document.

This list is not exhaustive and PBH retains the right to confiscate any other item that staff reasonably believe poses additional risk.

GAMBLING AND BETTINGNMS 12.1; Appendix 1.3

Gambling in schools is illegal and presents a number of adverse consequences, including impacting upon students’ relationships and wellbeing.

Students must not gamble or be involved in any activity which could be construed as gambling. This includes, but is not limited to: online gambling, poker or other games played for money, placing bets in betting shops, bets placed between students, on sporting or other events.

Any student found to be gambling will face sanction. Where gambling negatively impacts a student’s wellbeing appropriate support will also be provided.

PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPSPersonal relationships are a particularly significant area in which values are important.

NMS 5.1; 11.1; 12.1; APPENDIX 1.3

Students need to understand that PBH is not a place for physical intimacy. It is hoped that boarding life will foster wide friendships rather than exclusive relationships. The following observations and guidelines should be followed as a minimum standard of conduct:

Students must respect the feelings of others at all times.

Public behaviour should not cause embarrassment to other students, staff or visitors. Members of staff will put an immediate stop to such behaviour.

At all times, individuals must behave in a way which would be appropriate if a member of staff were in the room and in a way which would not cause embarrassment to others.

Any students found engaging in sexual behaviour will have severe sanctions applied.

Students must be aware of the provisions of the Sexual Offences Act (2003), which may criminalise some behaviour, particularly where there is a difference in age between the students.

There is a common room in PBH. When students wish to see each other, they may do so in the common room. The same applies to any visitors.

Any individuals who are found behind a locked or blocked door in a room that is not their own will also have sanctions applied.

Male students are not permitted on female students’ floor and vice versa. Any breach of this ruling will be firmly dealt with in accordance with our sanction procedures. A student floor includes all corridors, lift lobbies and stairwells.

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BEING ABSENT WITHOUT PERMISSIONNMS 12.1; 15.4; 15.5; 15.6; Appendix 1.3

A student who is not present at any registration will be considered absent until located. Any student who does not have prior authorisation to be absent will be considered absent without permission.

Circumstances which constitute being absent without permission include lateness in returning to the boarding house; attending events or social activities the student has not sought permission for; failure to return from school by evening registration; not being present during prep time; failure to return to the boarding house by curfew registration; failure to return from free time within four hours if under 16; failure to check in with DS after the length of time designated in section 7.3.

Students who are noted to be absent without permission will be sought out by DS immediately;

Where a student is located that student will be recorded as having an unauthorised absence and will be expected to explain their absence to the DS. Students who are absent without permission will face appropriate sanctions, to be escalated depending on the frequency and severity of their absence(s).

Where a student is not located and is considered to be “missing”, the Missing Child Procedure (8.10) will be enacted.

OUT OF BOUNDSNMS 12.1; 15.4; 15.5; 15.6; Appendices 1.3; 1.8

In House – The following areas of PBH are out of bounds for all students:

Opposite sex floors

Kitchen / stock room of dining room

Staff / visitor toilet

Non-accessible mezzanines

Rooftops, balconies, or window ledges

Reception office / general office / medical room (without member of staff present)

Car park / emergency stairwell (except in the event of an emergency)

Out of House – The following places are out of bounds for all students whilst in the care of boarding staff. Exceptions can be made only with prior written permission in line with the exeat procedures in section 7.4.

Public houses, wine bars, night clubs, and off licences

Betting shops and casinos

Shisha cafes/parlours

Outside of London – beyond TfL Zone 6

Documents

PBH BOARDING RULEBOOK - Kensington Park School Rulebook... · 2020. 9. 15. · PBH Commendation (online voucher) – Consistent high effort & engagement towards PBH community. Organising