Behaviour, Sanctions, and Rewards Policy (2026-2027)
Bromley Technical School (BTS)
This Behaviour, Sanctions, and Rewards Policy for Bromley Technical School (BTS) is designed to be fully compliant with the January 2025 DfE "Behaviour in Schools" guidance, the Independent School Standards, and KCSIE 2025.
1. Statement of Intent and Headteacher’s Duty
Bromley Technical School (BTS) is committed to a "Professional Standards" ethos. In accordance with 2025 statutory guidance, the Headteacher holds a legal duty to maintain a calm, safe, and supportive environment. We aim to prepare pupils (aged 14–18) for the workplace by fostering self- discipline, mutual respect, and accountability.
2. The “Mobile-Free” Standard (2025 Directive)
To eliminate digital distraction and safeguard pupils from cyberbullying, BTS operates a "Never Seen, Never Heard" mobile phone policy.
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Requirement:
Phones must be switched off and stored in lockers or bags from 08:45 to 15:30.
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Sanction:
Any device seen or heard will be confiscated. For a first offence, it is returned at 15:30. For repeat offences, a parent/guardian must collect the device.
3. Rewards and Recognition
We prioritise positive reinforcement to drive professional conduct:
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Professionalism Merits:
Awarded for punctuality, workplace-standard attire, and technical excellence.
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Industry Commendations:
Termly awards for pupils demonstrating exceptional aptitude in technical workshops.
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The "Golden Ticket":
Immediate reward for acts of community service or peer support.
4. Sanctions and the “Tiered Response”
When behaviour falls below expectations, sanctions are applied proportionately.
| Stage | Action | Specific 2025 Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Verbal Warning / Redirection | Managed by the classroom teacher; focused on re-engagement. |
| Stage 2 | Removal from Class | Pupil is moved to a supervised Reflection Room. This is a strategy to maintain safety, not just a sanction. Education must continue during removal. |
| Stage 3 | After-School Detention | Parents will be given 24 hours’ notice. Staff must ensure the pupil has a safe means of travel home. |
| Stage 4 | Suspension | Fixed-term removal from site. The school uses the term “Suspension” (not “Fixed-term Exclusion”) per DfE standards. |
| Stage 5 | Permanent Exclusion | Reserved for gross misconduct (e.g. serious violence, drugs, or persistent defiance). |
5. Equality Act and SEND Adjustments
BTS recognizes its duties under the Equality Act 2010.
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Pre-Sanction Review:
Before applying any formal sanction, staff must consider if the behaviour is a manifestation of a Special Educational Need (SEN) or disability.
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Reasonable Adjustments:
For SEND pupils, sanctions may be adapted (e.g., restorative conversations instead of isolation) to ensure they are not unfairly disadvantaged.
6. Statutory Search and Confiscation Powers
The Headteacher and authorized staff have the legal power to search pupils and their possessions without consent for "prohibited items":
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Knives/weapons, alcohol, illegal drugs, and stolen items.
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Vapes, tobacco, fireworks, and pornographic images.
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Police Involvement:
If a strip search is deemed necessary by the police, the school will act as the advocate for the pupil, ensuring an Appropriate Adult is present at all times. School staff never conduct strip searches.
7. Scope of Authority: Off-Site Behaviour
The school’s authority to discipline pupils extends to any time a pupil is:
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Travelling to or from school (including on public transport).
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Wearing school uniform or "identifiable" as a BTS student.
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Engaging in online behaviour (cyberbullying or harassment) that impacts the school’s "calm and safe" environment.
8. Safeguarding: Peer-on-Peer Abuse
In line with KCSIE 2025, BTS treats bullying and sexual harassment as safeguarding issues.
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We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to "banter" that masks harassment.
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Incidents are recorded on the school’s safeguarding system and referred to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to determine if the victim or perpetrator requires a multi-agency support plan.
9. Malicious Allegations
To protect the staff, any pupil found to have made an intentionally false or malicious allegation against a member of staff will face the highest level of disciplinary action, including the possibility of permanent exclusion.
10. Record Keeping and Governance
As an independent school, BTS maintains a written record of all serious disciplinary sanctions for a minimum of 7 years. This data is reviewed termly by the Proprietor to identify patterns and ensure the fair application of the policy.
Policy Last Reviewed: December 2025
Next Review Date: December 2026
Approved by: Rt. Rev. AR Ogundijo{Proprietor}
For further guidance, parents may refer to the DfE Behaviour in Schools advice.
