If one child is very angry or aggressive, we can leave the discussion until he or she is calmer. This extended use of Circle Time is only possible now that the pupils have used it in class for a number of years and are familiar with the rules and parameters of the process. Pupils whose behaviour reaches an unacceptable level are consistently encouraged to examine the causes and effects of such behaviour. The pupils is removed from class and counselled by the Head, the Home-Link Teacher, the Learning Support teacher or the educational psychologist. The pupil is thus given autonomy over his or her own feelings and behaviour, leading to a sense of control and an increase in self-esteem.
Pupils can then accept the appropriate punishment or sanction.
When the pupils return to class, they are settled and focused and learning can resume. If it is not appropriate for the pupil to return to class he or she is given suitable work to do, so that no time is wasted. We've got to the point where pupils understand why they are out of class. We will help them resolve the situation immediately, so that resentment does not build up and the pupil can return to normal working as soon as possible. The focus is on the whole child, ' says Fay Potts, the Learning Support teacher.