New behaviour policy drawn up for Darwen Vale

Headteacher Hilary Torpey has revealed that the proposed new disciplinary code has been given to the unions, leadership staff and governors for consultation.

Changes are being made to the way staff deal with unruly pupils following complaints from teachers at the school that their techniques to deal with bad behaviour were being undermined by senior leaders.

The lack of back up by the senior leadership team at Darwen Vale High School led to strike action last week following a successful ballot involving more than 60 teachers associated with the National Union of Teachers, NUT, and the NASUWT.

Behind the scenes the governing body led by chair Don Heatlie-Jackson, headteacher Hilary Torpey, Blackburn with Darwen Council and the unions have been working to resolve the problems.

A meeting will be held on May 3 to review the proposed policy.

Mrs Torpey said: "A new draft behavioural policy has been drawn up and shared with the unions, the school's leadership staff and governors. It is currently awaiting formal feedback as part of that consultation.

"Once agreed, the new policy will help ensure any incidents involving behaviour are dealt with quickly, effectively and consistently in the best interests of the whole school community."

Don Heatlie-Jackson, chairman of governors at Darwen Vale High School, said: "I would also like to reiterate that we have no serious concerns about behaviour at Darwen Vale - it is no different to any other school in the borough.

“I regularly come into school unannounced and I am always welcomed politely and positively by the pupils and feel proud to be part of the Darwen Vale school community."

Coun Maureen Bateson, executive member for children’s services at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “We have to ensure children are the number one priority and parents are getting to know what’s going on. I do hope all parties can get round the table and resolve the issues as soon as possible.”