Positive Behaviour Policy

Committee Members have agreed a set of core behaviour principles for members of the Abbey Brass community.

All members of the Abbey Brass community will:

  1. Experience an atmosphere and ethos of tolerance, equality, diversity, respect, understanding, kindness, and a sense of citizenship throughout the band community in everyday practice.

  2. Be treated fairly, without discrimination regarding race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or age.

  3. Role model standards of behaviour expected by the band

  4. Feel safe at band, and not endanger the safety of other members.

  5. Have the right to be heard and listened to.

  6. Players will be given opportunities and openly encouraged to support each other in the process of positive reinforcement and personal growth, learning and recognising positive attitudes.

  7. Have the right to learn without distractions in the bandroom caused by misbehaviour.

  8. Respect the environment and equipment belonging to Abbey Brass as well as at any venue hired or visited for rehearsal/performance purposes.


Aims of our Positive Behaviour Policy

This policy exists to provide a framework for supporting the aims of Abbey Brass Band and ensuring the happiness and learning of every individual in our community. It will do this through;

  • Encouraging a calm, purposeful and happy atmosphere.

  • Encourage independence and self-discipline so that each member accepts responsibility for their own behaviour.

  • A consistent approach to behaviour throughout the band with parental cooperation and involvement where applicable.

  • Helping our members develop appropriate self-esteem.

  • Help create a positive, stimulating learning environment where positive attitudes and behaviour are encouraged.

  • Help working alongside parents to encourage our children to develop socially and musically, for a positive role within the band.

  • Make the children and adult members aware of unacceptable behaviour.

  • Allow all members equal opportunities to learn.

  • Use sanctions where appropriate in accordance with this policy.

  • To develop skills necessary to resolve conflict and differences of opinion with sensitivity.


We believe that good behaviour means that everyone in band is;

  • Careful and kind

  • Polite and friendly

  • Helpful to each other

  • Unobtrusive and conscientious

  • Respectful and tolerant

Encouraging Positive Behaviour

We support positive behaviour and a positive environment through;

  • A consistent approach by the whole band community.

  • Monitoring member attendance and taking action where necessary.

  • Constructive whole band planning for high quality performance and development.

  • Appreciating and following agreed Codes of Conduct

  • Encouraging our members to see themselves as part of a whole band community and recognising their responsibility within this.

  • Developing the skills of co-operation and discussion.

  • Encouraging everyone to take pride in the band environment.

Non-Negotiables for our band community

  • Speak respectfully to and about all members of our band community

  • Ensure that rehearsals are well prepared making use of available resources

  • Value contributions and respect views of all members

  • Show interest and enthusiasm

  • Share with parents/carers, any concerns that we have about their child’s progress or development

  • Be aware of band expectations and procedures and adhere to them

  • Adult members to act as positive role models for child members

  • Parents/ Carers must provide the band with all necessary information about their child

  • Members are expected to attend regularly and on time where possible

  • Respect the views, rights and property of others and behave safely in and out of rehearsal

  • Walk sensibly and quietly around the hired spaces

  • Accept ownership for personal behaviour and learning


Consequences

  • If members choose to break a rule, they will be given a polite reminder of the points above.

  • If they persist within the same rehearsal players will be asked to step away from the playing space. Within the same room for all those under 18 and into another room for adults if suitable.

  • Parents/ Guardians of those under the age of 18 will be notified at this point to encourage and aid the child’s understanding of the policy.

  • If disruption continues across multiple rehearsals, players may be asked to take a break or leave of absence from upcoming rehearsals and events. Parents will be contacted here also.

  • Depending on severity, this leave of absence may evolve into permanent removal from the organisation.

  • If behaviour is serious, consequences may be issued without a polite reminder preceding.


Appendix 1

Strategies for dealing with difficult situations

In dealing with difficult situations members/leaders need to make professional judgements based on their experiences and the knowledge of the individual.

Listed below are some points to remember and some strategies which may be useful in managing difficult situations.

  • Stay calm

  • Use a quiet voice

  • Use neutral language and keep it to a minimum

  • Avoid invading personal space unless necessary

  • Avoid prolonged eye contact

  • Stand still

  • State expectations clearly

  • State what will happen next

  • It may be necessary to remove the audience

  • Withdrawal- move the member away from the group for a short period. This models a nonviolent response, gives “cooling off” time and a time for reflection. It also teaches that inappropriate behaviours will not be tolerated and protects the rights of all.

  • Always remember to give a thought driven professional response to a member’s behaviour with a view to de-escalating the situation

  • Consistency of approach from all members