Co-op Academy Stoke on Trent

Expectations for Learning Policy        

Issue 1   |  01 September 2026

Policy details

• Review Date - 22/06/26
• Date approved by Trust Board - 10/07/2025
• Next review date - 10/07/2027
• Policy owner - Shane Richardson

Co-op Academy Stoke on Trent

Westport Road, Tunstall Stoke on Trent ST6 4LD

Tel: 01782 882300 Email: stok-academy@co-opacademies.co.uk

Web: https://stokeontrent.coopacademies.co.uk

Contents

Co-op Academy Stoke on Trent        0

Expectations for Learning Policy        0

1. Policy Statement and Purpose        2

2. Rules and Ways of Being        3

3. Student Code of Conduct        3

4. Rights and Responsibilities        4

5. Developing Positive Behaviour        5

6. Recognition        7

7. Classroom Strategies and Expectations        7

8. Expectations Around the Academy        9

9. Expectations outside of Academy        10

10.  Consequences        10

11. Further Intervention and Support        11

12. Child on Child Abuse        12

13. Suspension and Permanent Exclusions …………………………………………………………………  15

14. Searching, Screening and Confiscation        16

Screening        16

Power to use reasonable force        16

Mobile Phones / Devices        16

Appendix i

Co-op Academy Expectations for Learning        19

Appendix ii        19

Classroom Expectations for Learning         20

Appendix iii        20

Transition Time Conduct         23

Appendix iv……………………………………………………………………………………………… 23

Toilet Use        23

Appendix v        23

Behaviour Intervention Pathway        23

Appendix vi        25

Behaviour Ladder        25

Appendix vii         26

Suspension Reintegration Meeting - Co-op Academy Stoke on Trent        26

Appendix viii        30

Home/Academy Agreement         30

Appendix viiii        31

Equality Charter         31

Appendix x        32

Graduated Response to Managing Behaviour        32

1. Policy Statement and Purpose

Co-op Academy Stoke on Trent has developed this Expectations for Learning Policy to ensure that all members of our community understand our high expectations for conduct and safety and to make clear to students what  acceptable and unacceptable behaviour looks like. We know that excellent behaviour leads to better outcomes and we want our students to leave Co-op Academy Stoke on Trent  as well qualified, well rounded citizens. students’ ability to make the right choices, to learn from their mistakes and demonstrate self-responsibility is both rooted in co-operative values and is also an important part of developing into responsible citizens who can go on to make a positive contribution to society. Our behaviour for learning policy allows students to clearly see the consequences, both positive and negative, that arise from the choices they make.

The academy, as a learning community, is committed to ensure success for all. This means that in all work with young people we aim to ensure that they: make great progress and enjoy learning; stay mentally and physically healthy; stay safe; make a positive contribution to the community and the world.

Co-op Academy Stoke on Trent is committed to the development of students’ personal, social and moral development. The purpose of the clear code of conduct set out in this policy is to ensure that everyone at Co-op Academy Stoke on Trent will go on to be positive and creative members of society and will fulfil their potential. The policy is based on principles of unconditional positive regard; clear boundaries delivered with warmth; and belief that every student,regardless of background, is able to succeed.

We are committed to doing what matters most by ensuring that our students strive to achieve success. We are dedicated to succeeding together to ensure that all students are able to study at further and higher education in order to have a successful career as valuable members of society. We believe that anyone who is successful must be co-operative, responsible, happy, healthy, resilient, independent and show they care about their own aspirations and the aspirations of others. We also want our students to express themselves in the right way embodying ‘being yourself, always’ across our community.

This policy should be read in conjunction with the following policies (available on the Co-op Academy Trust website and the Co-op Academy Stoke on Trent website):

• Anti Bullying
• Equality Statement and Objectives
• Health and Safety
• Positive Handling
• Safeguarding and Child Protection
• Special Educational Needs
• Mental Health and Well-Being
• Exclusions

This policy is underpinned by the following legislation and guidance:

Behaviour in Schools - Advice for Headteachers and Academy Staff

Academy suspensions and Permanent Exclusions (updated July 2026)

Searching, Screening and Confiscation - Advice for Academys

Keeping children safe in education

Mobile phones in Schools - GOV.UK 

Use of reasonable force and other restrictive interventions guidance 

Education Act (2002), as amended by Education Act (2011)

Education and Inspections Act (2006)

Academy Discipline [student Exclusions and Reviews] – England – Regulations (2012)

Equality Act (2010, revised 2018)

2. Rules and Ways of Being

Co-op Academy Stoke on Trent is underpinned by the values of the Co-op and all within the academy aspire to the Co-op Ways of Being:

• Do what matters most:

• Be on time for the start of the Academy and all of your lessons
• Always wear your uniform correctly
• Follow instructions from all adults the first time they are given

• Be yourself, always

• Be honest and always tell the truth
• Complete all work to your best ability and strive for excellence
• Seek help when you need it

• Show you care

• Be respectful to other students, teachers, staff and Academy visitors
• Always treat the Academy building with respect
• Leave rooms tidy and eat only in the dining room

• Succeed together

• Be kind and considerate to one another
• Never disrupt lessons; let teachers teach
• Help everyone feel safe by behaving calmly and respectfully

3. Student Code of Conduct

Our rules for student conduct are underpinned by our Ways of Being. Our Ways of Being determine how we behave with each other both in and out of the Academy. Our rules are drawn from our values and add clarity to how we can live out our values on a day to day basis - in the academy:

Always be READY

• Be punctual
• Be prepared with equipment
• Wear uniform correctly
• Be ready to learn
• Engage readily with advice
• Act on support

Always be RESPECTFUL

• Have a positive attitude to learning
• Be on task and follow the code of conduct
• Follow instructions first time every time
• Speak politely and with manners
• Treat all students, staff, and visitors without bullying, discrimination or harassment
• Keep the Academy tidy and clean

Always be SAFE

• Always be where you are supposed to be
• Follow entry and exit routines at the beginning and end of lessons
• Move sensibly around the academy
• Take responsibility for our behaviour and report any safeguarding concerns
• We are a non contact Academy
• We area no mobile phone free Academy

4. Rights and Responsibilities

Rights

All members of Co-op Academy Stoke on Trent have:

•  The right to learn
•  The right to teach
•  The right to feel safe and secure
•  The right to respect and dignity

Responsibilities

All members of Co-op Academy Stoke on Trent have a responsibility:

• To live by and embody the Co-op Ways of Being
• To be good role models
• To speak politely and calmly to everyone
• To be punctual, prepared and productive in every lesson (to be ready, respectful and safe)
• To treat everyone as we would like to be treated

All members of the Academy community are expected to display positive behaviour at all times both on the Academy premises and wherever they are identifiable as being part of the Academy community.

The Governing Body

Governors are responsible for monitoring this Expectations for Learning policy’s effectiveness and holding the Headteacher to account for its implementation. Governors should review this policy every year to ensure its effectiveness.

The Headteacher

The Headteacher is responsible for reviewing and approving this Expectations for Learning policy. The Headteacher will ensure the Academy environment encourages positive behaviour and that staff deal effectively with poor behaviour, and will monitor how staff implement this policy to ensure rewards and sanctions are applied consistently.

In addition:

• The Headteacher and staff have the power to use reasonable force and other physical contact in order to maintain and restore order (as stipulated in the Positive Handling Policy), but cannot, under any circumstances, use force as a form of punishment. Corporate punishment of any kind is entirely illegal.
• The Headteacher and delegated staff have the power to search students, screen electronic devices, and to confiscate property in circumstances that align with the Positive Handling Policy and section 13 of this policy (see below)
• The Headteacher and delegated staff have the power to discipline students outside of Academy hours if it is a Academy-related matter, or the student’s actions undermine the safety of anyone from our community or the good reputation of the Academy
• The Headteacher and academy staff have the power to impose detentions beyond the hours of the Academy day

Staff

Staff are responsible for:

● Implementing the Expectations for Learning policy consistently.

● Modelling positive behaviour.

● Providing a personalised approach to the specific behavioural needs of particular students.

● Recording behaviour incidents on Arbor

● Recording any safeguarding related behaviour incidents on CPOMS.

Parents

Parents are expected to:

● Support their child in adhering to our ‘Home - Academy Agreement’ and this policy.

● Inform the Academy of any changes in circumstances that may affect their child’s behaviour.

● Discuss any behavioural concerns with the Academy staff promptly

• Work in partnership with the Academy to uphold the policy

5. Developing Positive Behaviour

We have high expectations of students at Co-op Academy Stoke on Trent and believe that clear and consistent boundaries, positive relationships and regular and sustained use of praise and rewards leads to good behaviour and positive attitudes to learning.

To support staff and students in upholding the policy, we use many opportunities to induct and reinduct our staff and students into the rules and norms of the academy. These include:

Staff

• All staff receive training at the start of the academic year and are expected to read the policy
• Staff receive regular training updates and further CPD during designated CPD time
• New staff receive an induction of the Academy policies and procedures in managing behaviour
• Quality assurance of how staff establish a culture of good behaviour and routines in their classroom  take place via regular drop ins, learning walks and feedback from leaders
• Elements of department time are used to ensure systems and routines are embedded and understood

Students

• Key habits and routines for students are established via assemblies, tutor period, role modelling, rehearsal and consistent reinforcement of expectations on a daily basis
• Comprehensive behaviour curriculum to teach students our high expectations is delivered through PSHE, assemblies, tutor time and other reinduction opportunities throughout the year
• Transparency of processes and routines are shared on a regular basis with students and families to allow all to be fully aware of our expectations, along with specific rewards and consequences.

Positive Behaviour Approach:

We must not be surprised when problems occur. We are working with young people who are learning

and testing the boundaries of acceptable behaviour. In dealing with undesirable behaviour we need to

promote good behaviour. This means developing skills and strategies that do not merely rely on sanctions. Sanctions do not, in themselves, change behaviour but simply apply the limits to behaviour

that enables us to reward and reinforce.

Do all you can to:

• remind students of which Way of Being or rule they are not demonstrating

• reprimand privately – it encourages cooperation

• keep calm – it shows high status, reduces tension and models desired behaviour

• listen – it earns respect

• use first names

• focus on positive aspects of students’ work and behaviour

• praise remorse when students take responsibility for poor behaviour

• remain positive and focus on what the student SHOULD be doing. Not what is going wrong

• be fair and consistent

• use the minimum sanction necessary to achieve your desired outcome

• use humour appropriately

• re-integrate the student into the class

• seek closure after the sanction – it is important to start again and demonstrate a willingness to

re-build relationships (positive regard).

Do all you can to avoid:

• humiliation

• public confrontations – they promote retaliation through peer pressure

• sarcasm

• shouting often – it weakens your status

• over-punishing – it reduces options later

• blanket punishments – the innocent do not deserve them

• jumping to conclusions – avoid punishing what you can’t prove

• overreacting – the problems will grow.

All sanctions quickly lose their effectiveness if frequently used. Avoid constantly punishing

students. Only the student can change their behaviour and, repeated concerns, will require you to

enlist support from others who might help you to influence the student, (e.g. Parents/Carers, Subject

Leaders, Form Tutors, Heads of Year, Pastoral Managers and the Senior Leadership Team etc).

It is crucial to remain calm, assertive and in control. Raising your voice may be necessary but never

lose control and never scream and shout; we do not want students to have this behaviour modelled to them.

6. Recognition

All staff are encouraged to plan for positive behaviour and attitudes to learning and apply rewards regularly and consistently. There is a range of ways to do this which include:

• Reference to Values, Rules and Ways of Being displayed clearly
• Verbal praise and recognition given throughout lessons
• Teachers, leaders and staff can award praise points to students. Praise Points have the following categories:

• Praise Point - In Class
• Praise Point - Out of Class
• Praise Point - Manners

• Each lesson each teacher will attempt to award between 1-3 “Recognition Cards’ for a student based on effort, good work or significant improvements seen - this will be recorded on Arbor and students receiving the recognition cards will go into a prize draw each week

Access to reward events (held three times a year at the end of every term) will be based on achieving the ‘Co-op Academy Stoke on Trent Goals’. These might be trips, recognition events or other rewards.

1. Excellent attendance
2. Good punctuality (on time to 96% of all lessons)
3. Positive contribution to the Academy community
4. Low number of negative incidents
5. No referral room / Supervision room / Suspensions

7. Classroom Strategies and Expectations

Where a student is unable to sustain good behaviour or positive attitudes to learning during lessons the class teacher will use the following the Academy’s ‘A’ system:

It is important that when using the system we enable a positive response from our students. Upon reaching the third stage of action (A3), the teacher must log the incident on Arbor without delay; this triggers an alert to the pastoral team regarding the student's relocation to the Referral Room for targeted intervention. Within this environment, the Head of Faculty, Head of Subject, or TLR holder will investigate the underlying causes of non-compliance, working with the student to support emotional regulation in preparation for their next period. Should conduct in the Referral Room fall below our expectations, the supervising member of staff will contact the behaviour team via email to arrange for the student's transfer to the Supervision Room (A4).

Each stage of the classroom behaviour system will be displayed on the board in the classroom. Staff will indicate which stage a student is at by writing their name / initials on the board. This allows for transparency and ensures students and staff have a visible reminder to support positive behaviour.

If a student exhibits behaviour which is unsafe including violent or threatening behaviour, this is a high level incident. The Arbor emergency button should be pressed immediately so that urgent support can be provided, without proceeding through the stages of the behaviour system.

Classroom Expectations

Should a student fail to meet the expectations of the classroom, the teacher will implement the ‘A’ system. Each ‘A’ represents an action that a teacher takes and how a student should respond (refer to Appendix i and ii).

The expectations in the classroom are:

To be READY

• Enter the classroom in a calm manner on time
• Don’t ask to use the toilet within the first 10 minutes of a lesson 
• Remove any coats or jumpers
• Place bag under their desk
• Place equipment on the desk
• All other equipment placed on desk as requested
• No eating, chewing or drinking (except water)
• Complete starter task

To be RESPECTFUL

• Follow instructions first time every time
• Be on task at all times
• Silent when asked and quiet discussion when asked
• Present your work with care
• Follow ‘STAR’ throughout the lesson:

• S - Sit up straight
• T - Track directly and listen to the person talking
• A - Ask and answer questions as appropriate or requested
• R - Respectful, polite, well mannered and calm

To be SAFE

• Remain seated unless instructed to leave your seat
• Be kind and thoughtful of others
• Only bring in items you are allowed
• Polite calm voice
• Respect others personal space
• At the end of the lesson tidy away, place the chair under the desk, stand behind it and leave the classroom calmly as instructed by the teacher

8. Expectations Around the Academy

We expect all members of our community to demonstrate our rules and ways of being in the corridors and space around the Academy, as well as in the classroom. The expectation around the academy is:

• Go to all lessons and tutor period on time
• Be on time to lessons and don’t try to use a pass in the first 10 minutes of the lesson
• Follow instructions from all staff, first time every time
• Be polite and show respect for other people
• Show respect to Academy and other people’s  property no vandalism, put litter in the bins
• Walk around the academy sensibly, quietly and with aim of getting to your destination quickly - keeping to the left of corridors and stairs
• Wear your Academy uniform correctly at all times

• No hats, caps, hoods, coats, hoodies, non Co-op jumpers inside the academy
• No jeans or skirts - tailored trousers only
• No trainers - Shoes only (No logos / labels - fully black leather type material)
• Academy logoed v neck jumper and or blazer must be worn unless instructed by staff
• See Academy website for full details of uniform and PE kit

• Only eat in designated food areas at the correct time and place litter in the bin
• No chewing gum, sweets, high sugar fizzy drinks or energy drinks at any time
• No illegal substances to be brought onto the Academy site, along with cigarettes, lighters or vapes.
• Respect the surrounding community before and after school.
• No contact with other students and respectful, safe break time play
• Enter the building calmly and purposefully ensuring uniform is sorted before lessons

See appendix iii for more information on supporting students with positive behaviour in unstructured time.

9. Expectations outside of Academy

When wearing our uniform, and as a member of our academy, you are an ambassador for Co-op Academy Stoke on Trent. We care about you when you are in the building and when you are at home or in the community. We expect all of our students to be respectful citizens both inside and outside of the Academy, and especially when identifiable as Co-op Academy Stoke on Trent students. When walking to and from the academy we expect you to:

• walk on the pavements not the middle of the road
• be aware of other pedestrians and respectful of the neighbourhood
• walk in small groups so as not to block pathways, alleys or walkways
• be careful crossing roads, use crossings and not looking at mobile phones
• use respectful language
• refrain from fighting, aggression or abusive language or behaviour
• be respectful in shops - go in in small groups and be polite to shopkeepers
• refrain from smoking or vaping
• talk positively and be positive about the academy and the Co-op
• continue to live by our Ways of Being and commit to being ready, respectful and safe

10.  Consequences

Although Co-op Academy Stoke on Trent does everything we can to mitigate the need for consequences and sanctions, we know that students do make mistakes. If a student’s conduct falls below the expectations laid out in this policy (including expectations inside and outside Academy) the following consequences would apply (see appendix vi (Behaviour Ladder) for full list of possible consequences):

• The Academy’s ‘A’ system activated in classrooms (see section 7 above)
• After Academy Late 15 mins detention for those students arriving late to the Academy
• Same day detentions (up to 1 hour)  issued for (but not an exhaustive list):

- persistent lateness to Academy

- removal from class

- truancy from lessons

- poor conduct around the academy

• A day in the Supervision Room for:

- failing to attend a detention after being collected by a Year Manager

- 2 or more truancy / referrals in a day

- returning from a suspension

- a breach of the policy and our expectations (see appendix i)

• Time spent at another Academy for:

- persistent behaviour where the above has not been successful

- breaches of this policy that have or could cause harm to anyone in the academy

• A suspension issued for persistent breaches of the policy or one off incidents (see section 13)

At each level of this list of sanctions, support is provided to help the student make more positive choices in the future. See section 11 for interventions offered to students to maintain excellent behaviour.

11. Further Intervention and Support

Where a student is unable to sustain good behaviour in a number of subject areas, despite the clear systems and staff use of positive reinforcement; or where there is a serious one-off incident which breaches the Academy ethos, a student may be referred to the Academy’s support teams who may consider the following interventions (refer to appendix v and vii). 

• Tutor Report
• Izone Report
• Behaviour and progress meeting with Head of Year and / or Key Stage Leader
• Pastoral Support Programme
• Break time and lunchtime isolation (Inappropriate behaviour at unstructured time)
• Support from the Inclusion team and SENDCO
• Access to the Uniform Room to correct any issues around uniform (no consequence if utilised)
• Amended timetable
• Referral to Core and/or multi-agency group
• EHCP application
• Offer an Early Help
• Referral to student STEPS proactive placement
• Referral to alternative activities
• Temporary placement (short term off site direction or longer term fixed term off site direction) at another Academy
• Managed Move to another Academy
• Referral to in Academy SEMH mentors
• Referral to in-Academy counsellors
• Careers interviews
• Extra curricular clubs
• Referral to the Academy's Police Officer and referral to outside agencies
• Referral to external alternative provision
• External Mental Health support
• Suspension

(see the graduated response approach in appendix x for further support)

The Academy recognises that changes in behaviour may be an indicator that a student is in need of help or protection. We will consider whether a student’s misbehaviour may be linked to them suffering, or being likely to suffer, significant harm and all sanctions  will be discussed with the safeguarding and inclusion teams. Where this may be the case, we will follow our child protection and safeguarding policy, and consider whether pastoral support, an early help intervention or a referral to children’s social care is appropriate. 

Please refer to our child protection and safeguarding policy for more information.

Where a student may be struggling to meet the expectations laid out in this policy, due to a special educational need or disability, reasonable adjustments will be put in place, in consultation with the SENDCO. An example of a reasonable adjustment could be a 5 minute early pass to avoid crowds in corridors; a temporary or long term adjustment to the uniform policy; a library pass to be able to avoid crowds during break / lunch time or a time out pass to support regulation in the classroom.

Please refer to our SEND policy for more information.

12. Child on Child Abuse

Co-op Academy Stoke on Trent is committed to ensuring a climate of safety for all students by challenging inappropriate behaviour between peers. We have a zero tolerance approach of all forms of child on child abuse including (but not limited to):

• Bullying (including cyberbullying, prejudice-based and discriminatory bullying)
• Abuse in intimate personal relationships between peers
• Physical abuse such as hitting, kicking, shaking, biting, hair pulling, or otherwise causing physical harm (this may include an online element which facilitates, threatens and / or encourages physical abuse)
• Sexual violence, such as rape, assault by penetration and sexual assault (this may include an online element which facilitates, threatens and / or encourages physical abuse)
• Sexual harassment, such as sexual comments, remarks, jokes and online sexual harassment, which may be standalone or part of a broader pattern of abuse
• Causing someone to engage in sexual activity without consent, such as forcing someone to strip, touch themselves sexually, or to engage in sexual activity with a third party
• Consensual and non-consensual sharing of nudes and semi nude images and / or videos (also known as sexting or youth produced sexual imagery)
• Upskirting, which typically involves taking a picture under a person’s clothing without their permission, with the intention of viewing their genitals or buttocks to obtain sexual gratification, or cause the victim humiliation, distress or alarm
• Initiation / hazing type violence and rituals (this could include activities involving harassment, abuse or humiliation used as a way of initiating a person into a group and may also include an online element

Where there are any reports of child on child abuse, including sexual violence and sexual harassment,  we will follow the guidance set out in Keeping Children Safe in Education. The Academy maintains a zero tolerance approach to all forms of child on child abuse and always maintain the attitude ‘it could happen here’. We will always take any reports or disclosures seriously. Any sanctions for child on child abuse will be proportionate, considered, supportive and will be decided on a case by case basis. Sanctions could include managing the incident internally, referring to early help, referring to children’s social care or reporting the incident to the police. Serious incidents could result in permanent exclusion. The Academy will not tolerate behaviour of this nature, whilst also not demonising anyone – we will support and listen to all of the students involved. The alleged perpetrator(s) will be offered support so that they can change their behaviour.

For more information on how we deal with child on child abuse please see:

Co-op Academy Stoke on Trent Anti Bullying Policy.

Co-op Academy Stoke on Trent Child Protection Policy.

Keeping Children Safe in Education Policy

13. Suspensions and Permanent Exclusions

The Headteacher will have due regard to the Department for Education’s guidance on suspensions and permanent exclusions.  Specifically, the introduction to Part Three of the guidance is clear that the “government supports headteachers in using suspension and permanent exclusion as a sanction when warranted^[5] as part of creating calm, safe and supportive environments where both pupils and staff can work in safety and are respected.”  In turn, where students behave in a way that puts the culture, order and, or, safety of others, they may be suspended.  In the most serious cases, they may be permanently excluded.

The decision to suspend and permanently exclude is the Headteacher’s.  At Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent, only the Executive Headteacher can make the decision to suspend and permanently exclude students.  In his absence, the power to suspend is delegated to the Head of School.  Any decision to permanently exclude can only be made by the Executive Headteacher.  

Our Behaviour Ladder (appendix vi) makes clear, without being exhaustive, the types of behaviours that justify suspension and, in the most serious cases, permanent exclusion.  Where an allegation of misconduct arises, a relevant member of staff will conduct a reasonable investigation and provide their findings to the Executive Headteacher or Head of School for a decision as to whether suspension is appropriate.  Where a permanent exclusion is a possibility, the Headteacher will oversee, but not necessarily conduct, an investigation that is fair, reasonable and ensures the facts are clearly established.

In all cases, the student(s) against whom allegations have been made will be offered the opportunity to provide a statement in which they outline their position and, where appropriate, any mitigating factors.  Where it is not possible to secure a statement in immediate proximity to an incident, every reasonable effort will be made to give a student the opportunity to provide one.  The Academy notes the proviso in paragraph 4 of Part Three of the guidance which makes clear Headteachers “should” take student’s views into account before deciding to exclude “unless it would not be appropriate to do so”.  Where this is the case, the Headteacher will provide detailed information to the panel hearing the case.

Parents will be notified of a suspension or permanent exclusion in line with the statutory timeframes and in a form that is consistent with the requirements of the guidance.  The Trust’s Complaints Policy has no scope to deal with parental objections to a fixed term suspension.  Such matters should be addressed following the process outlined in the standard correspondence issued when a child is suspended.

In all matters pertaining to decisions to suspend or permanently exclude students, the Executive Headteacher will have due regard to his duties under the Equality Act 2010, The Children and Families Act 2014, and any and all other legislation that will be relevant in ensuring that a decision to suspend or exclude does not unlawfully discriminate against a child.

Furthermore, the Executive Headteacher will have due regard for the Trust’s Exclusions Policy.

Every student that returns from suspension will need to be re-integrated back into the Academy very carefully. A meeting with parents / carers will always take place to agree the re-integration plan and the level of support that the student will require to avoid further suspension. If appropriate, the pastoral team will also discuss and support the family with wider issues and circumstances that may be affecting the child’s behaviour and include it in the integration plan.

On return from a Fixed Term Suspension all students will be referred into the Academy’s Supervision Room from where they will be reintegrated into lessons in an appropriate timeframe.  

After each suspension, there is a range of support that each student could receive:

• Supervision room to complete reflection and realignment to the the Academy expectations
• Parent meeting with student voice, parent voice and agreed targets recorded
• 2 weeks on a behaviour report to SLT / HOY to monitor behaviour
• A careers interview to support in raising aspirations
• Directed to an extra-curricular club
• Review of tutor group / class group or seating plan
• Review of break / lunch provision and possible structuring (e.g. lunch clubs; sports)
• Long term mentoring / counselling or support agreed (if necessary)

Further information on suspensions can be found in the Trust’s Exclusion policy. For further information on consequences for different behaviours see appendix vi.

14. Searching, Screening and Confiscation

The Headteacher has statutory power to search students and possessions if there are reasonable grounds to suspect students have prohibited items. Searches may also be carried out by members of staff and contractors authorised by the Headteacher. All authorised staff will be up to date with screening and searching procedures as laid out in government guidance .  When conducting searches, the Headteacher will consider the age and ability of students and make reasonable adjustments where necessary. Where possible searches will be conducted with the student present and away from other students  (unless there is reason to believe that significant harm could happen if we wait).

The Academy can search a student for any item with their consent and in their presence (e.g. turning out pockets / looking in bags). Staff have the power to search (without consent) if they have reason to believe a student possesses any of the following items:

• knives and weapons
• alcohol
• illegal drugs
• stolen items
• tobacco and cigarette papers
• cigarettes
• e-cigarettes
• lighters and matches
• fireworks
• pornographic images
• any article that has been or is likely to be used to commit an offence , cause personal injury or damage to property

Wherever possible, searches will be carried out by two authorised members of staff, by staff members of the same gender as the student, and with the student present as a witness. Searches that require physical contact or use of force will always be a last resort. Where the risk is considered significant, they will be conducted by a trained member of staff of the same sex as the student, or, if possible, and preferably, by a family member. If this is not possible (due to urgency of the situation) searches will be conducted by a permanent member of staff, with the appropriate training, of the same sex and an appropriate adult (of the same sex). In all cases, only outer clothing will be searched (pockets, bags, shoes etc). No member of the Academy community will conduct a search that reveals a student’s underwear or skin (beyond shirt sleeves).

Staff will confiscate and retain a student’s property if it is a banned item or any item being used to cause harm to self or others, damage to property, or disruption to the maintaining of a purposeful learning environment. For any confiscated item that is not deemed to be dangerous or potentially / known to be illegal, the confiscating staff member is required to make a proportionate and fair decision about what happens next with the item, for example:

• returning the item to the student at the end of that lesson
• returning the item to the student at the end of that day
• escalating the issue to a member of the year team / senior leadership team
• discussing with the student’s family about how best to return or dispose of the item

Retention of, damage to or disposal of a student’s personal property should not be used as a sanction and confiscation, including how the confiscation is followed up, should only be used to ensure the maintenance of a safe and purposeful learning environment.

If, when conducting a search in accordance with the above criteria, an electronic device is found that staff can reasonably suspect has been or is likely to be used to commit an offence, cause personal injury or damage to property, the data can be examined if there is good reason to i.e. doing so could mitigate harm / damage being caused. This must be done in accordance with the appropriate guidance. When an incident involves youth produced sexual imagery (nudes/semi-nudes), the member of staff should involve the Designated Safeguarding Lead immediately and the appropriate safeguarding guidance followed.

The DSL will be informed of all searching incidents (inc those where no prohibited items are found, and an accurate record kept of all search incidents (even if no prohibited item is found). We will endeavour to inform parents as early as possible, with as much detail as possible (including why the search was carried out, what was found and follow up support)  if a search has been carried out on their child.

Screening

• If a student refuses to be screened, the Academy may refuse to have the student on the premises. Health and safety legislation requires the Academy to be managed in a way which does not expose students or staff to risks to their health and safety and this would include making reasonable rules as a condition of admittance.
• If a student fails to comply, and the Academy does not let the student in, the student’s absence will be treated as unauthorised. The student should comply with the rules and attend.

The Academy follows all DfE guidance for searching, screening and confiscation which can be found here: Reference: Searching, screening and confiscation in schools - GOV.UK 

Power to use reasonable force  

Members of staff have the power to use reasonable force to prevent students committing an offence, injuring themselves or others, or damaging property, and to maintain good order and discipline in the classroom. Headteachers and authorised Academy staff may also use such force as is reasonable given the circumstances when conducting a search without consent for knives or weapons, alcohol, illegal drugs, stolen items, tobacco and cigarette papers, fireworks, pornographic images or articles that have been or could be used to commit an offence or cause harm.

The academy follows all DfE guidance for Restrictive interventions, including use of reasonable force, in schools,  which can be found here:

Use of reasonable force and other restrictive interventions guidance 

Please also see the Co-op Academies Trust Positive Handling Policy for the process of searching and screening and use of reasonable force (available on the Academy website).

Mobile Phones / Devices

• Co-op Academy Stoke on Trent is mobile phone-free environments by default
• Phones and other devices (e.g. tablets, Airpods and Smart watches) must not be handed in on entry to the Academy.
• All staff should consistently enforce the Academy’s policy on the use of mobile phones.
• Staff should not use their own mobile phone for personal reasons in front of students throughout the Academy day.
• For sanctions involving a breach of the above, see consequences table in appendix i
• In exceptional and necessary circumstances a student may be allowed access to their mobile phone during the Academy day, where it is necessary due to the nature of their disability. This may be considered a reasonable adjustment supporting the specific needs of the student (e.g. Medical). This exception will be rare and will be regularly monitored and reviewed and where reasonable alternatives can be found they should be considered.
• Co-op Academy Stoke on Trent will set out and communicate with staff, students and parent/carers how they wish to manage the use of mobile phones by students on residential trips or trips outside of the normal Academy day. This will ensure that students’ educational experience on an Academy trip is not disrupted by the presence of mobile phones and should consider prohibiting or restricting their use.

Reference: Mobile phones in Schools - GOV.UK 

 Audio and video recording wearables

• In addition to the guidance around mobile phones and smart devices (including tablets and watches) and to meet modern safeguarding and security challenges, Co-op Academy Stoke on Trent behavior policy enforces a zero-tolerance, "not seen, not heard, not worn" policy for all audio and video recording wearables across the Academy site.
• This comprehensive ban specifically targets smartwatches (including children's tracking models with remote audio activation), AI-enabled earbuds (e.g. AirPods Pro 2 capable of live translation or phone-streaming), smart glasses (e.g. Ray-Ban Metas), and clip-on AI badge pins. All such devices must be turned off and stored securely in bags upon arrival at Academy by students and parents attending for a meeting or Academy event.

Furthermore, to protect the confidentiality of sensitive discussions and ensure lesson integrity, the Academy enforces the following protocols:

• Enforcement: Any broadcast, live-stream, or unauthorised capture of a lesson or Academy environment will result in immediate device confiscation, parent contact, and significant behavioral sanctions in alignment with the academy's disciplinary procedures.
• Consent & Broadcasting: Capturing audio or video of staff or students without explicit consent is strictly handled as a safeguarding breach rather than a minor technology misuse.
• Wearable-Free Zones: All meeting spaces including the SENCO room, Headteacher’s office, and safeguarding meeting spaces are designated strict wearable-free zones for all staff, students, parents, and visitors to prevent unauthorized covert recordings.

Appendix i

Appendix ii

Appendix iii

Appendix iv

Appendix v

Appendix vi

Behaviour Ladder

Appendix vii

Suspension Reintegration Meeting - Co-op Academy Stoke on Trent

Suspension Reintegration Meeting - Script:

Appendix viii

Home/Academy agreement:

CO-OP ACADEMY STOKE ON TRENT

Our Academy will:

• Ensure all young people have the best teaching, the broadest opportunities, and can fulfil their potential.  
• Provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive learning environment where your child can flourish academically, socially and personally
• Provide a broad and balanced curriculum that challenges, motivates, and engages your child
• Ensure that your child attains the highest possible results in all assessments and examinations
• Promote the Co-op Ways of Being - Do what matters most; Be yourself, always; Show you care; Succeed together.
• Promote British values of democracy, rule of law, Respect and tolerance and individual liberty
• Provide outstanding support for your child through our dedicated pastoral, mentoring, and safeguarding teams
• Encourage and support your child in developing skills of independence and personal responsibility
• Maintain regular contact with you to keep you informed of your child’s behaviour, progress and achievement across all areas of Academy life
• Work in partnership with you to make our Academy exceptional with a sustained commitment to continuous improvement

PARENTS/CARERS

Having signed this agreement, I/we will:

• Ensure that my child attends the Academy on time every day
• Ensure that my child wears the correct Academy uniform every day
• Inform the Academy on the first day of absence by 8.40am at the latest
• Support all of the Academy policies, including any sanctions given
• Attend parents evenings, information events and all meetings as requested
• Support and encourage my child with all home learning including planning and preparing for all assessments and examinations
• Work with all Co-op Academy staff positively and respectfully
• Not behave in a way that can be perceived as threatening or aggressive to members of the Academy: students, staff, or other parents.
• Celebrate in my child’s successes and rewards throughout the year
• Contact the Academy with any questions or concerns
• Not libel, defame or otherwise make public statements via social media, or any other platform, that damage the reputation of the Academy or any of its staff.
• Monitor our child’s use of their mobile phone and social media to ensure that they are not using it in a way that is harmful to themselves or others
• Recognise that in all matters relating to policy, the Headteacher's decision is final.

THE STUDENT

I will:

Always be READY

• Be punctual
• Be prepared with equipment
• Wear uniform correctly
• Be ready to learn
• Engage readily with advice
• Act on support

Always be RESPECTFUL

• Have a positive attitude to learning
• Be on task and follow the code of conduct
• Follow instructions first time every time
• Treat all students, staff, and visitors politely, without bullying, discrimination or harassment
• Keep the Academy tidy and clean

Always be SAFE

• Always be where you are supposed to be
• Follow entry and exit routines at the beginning and end of lessons
• Move sensibly around the academy
• Take responsibility for our behaviour and report any safeguarding concerns
• We are a non contact Academy
• We are a mobile phone free Academy

Appendix viiii

Appendix x