Section 7
Dealing with Problems
7.1 Punctuality
The School considers punctuality to be a major part of School discipline. Late children miss important work, often arrive distressed and are a constant disruption to the class.
Letters asking for an improvement are sent if regular lateness occurs. After the third such letter within an appropriate period, parents are asked to attend an interview to discuss the matter further.
A basic School Rule is that children should not be late attending School and if there is a persistent problem, parents will be asked to remove their child from the School.


7.2 Homework
Homework is set to reinforce work done during the day. If it cannot be completed within a reasonable time period, parents are asked to write a quick note to the form teacher explaining the problem. We will then endeavour to correct the problem during the next day.
The School policy with regard to homework not completed and without an explanation is as follows.
  • After a record is made of homework not done, a letter is sent home via the pupil to the parents. There is a tear off slip on this letter to be sent back to the School acknowledging receipt of the letter.
  • If the acknowledgement is not received the matter is referred to the Head Teacher.
  • The homework is set again during the following day to be completed during break times.If it is not completed during the day, it is expected to be completed during the following evening.
  • The School reserves the right not to mark late homework unless the lateness is due to authorised absence.
  • Persistent lack of homework will lead to parents being requested to attend an interview with a senior member of staff
It is a basic School Rule that homework is to be completed to the best of a pupil’s ability and on time. Parents are reminded that failure to co-operate on this matter will lead to a child being asked to leave the School.

7.3 Grievance Procedure / Formal Complaints Procedure
Most problems should initially be addressed to the form teacher at the appropriate time. If the problem cannot be resolved at this level immediately it can be left with the form teacher to refer the matter to a member of the senior staff.
  • We will endeavour to provide parents with a reply by the next day.
  • We would prefer as many enquiries as possible to be dealt with in this way in order to reduce the level of interruption of the work load of senior staff.
  • If parents feel they require an interview with senior staff directly then this should be arranged through the main office. This immediate response should be reserved for more serious enquiries, if in doubt, again check with the main office first in order to make sure your enquiry is directed to the correct person.
  • If possible, an immediate reply with regard to an enquiry or complaint may be made by the senior staff involved. If the decision is made to refer the problem to the management team of senior staff, then this will be done at the earliest opportunity
  • Again we will reply either in full or partially within 24 hours on the basis that the appropriate senior staff / directors are available

There have been no formal complaints dealt with using the above procedure during the last academic year (2005 - 2006)


7.4 Anti Bullying Policy

Bullying has not been and will not be tolerated at Beechwood School.
The school encourages and expects all pupils and staff to promote the value of honesty, integrity, morals and respect for others. In so doing, the school aims to develop pupils' self-confidence and self-esteem so that they can become valued members of the school and the community as a whole.

These values are clearly stated and reiterated in the Pupil Behaviour and Conduct Code which emphasises the moral obligation for everyone in the school community to be free from the fear of bullying. Everyone should feel that it is possible to speak out and report any anxieties regarding bullying. It is implicit therefore that they will be listened to and that the situation will be explored.

The School considers bullying to be any behaviour which is intended to make any individual feel uncomfortable, unhappy or hurt in any way – whether this is physical, verbal, emotional, personal or racial. All pupils are encouraged to tell someone of incidents which may be regarded as bullying. This may be anyone the pupil can confide in whether it is someone from the school community or someone outside the school such as a parent or member of the family.

It is important that all children are encouraged to share with another person any concern about bullying which is worrying them. At Beechwood School, staff will deal with issues regarding bullying and will also report the matter to Mrs Marshall. Parents who have concerns about bullying should tell the class teacher who will give assurances that the matter will be investigated. If the problem persists or there is cause for serious concern, the matter must be put in writing to Mrs Marshall. Every case will be investigated and reported back to the parents concerned.

Any reports of bullying will be investigated completely and carefully. Everyone will be given an opportunity to discuss the matter with an appropriate person. A record of the investigation will be kept in the files and a copy will be sent to the appropriate parents.


General areas of responsibility of senior staff are as follows:-

Educational Enquiries                 Mrs M Marshall Headmistress
                                                    Mrs St Aubyn Senior Mistress
Administration, Admissions, Fees
(any non educational enquiry)
                                                    Mrs Koureas School Secretary
                                                    Mr P Marshall Managing Director