DES Circular 20/90:

Guidelines Towards a Positive Policy for School Behaviour and Discipline

Circular 20/90 is avaialable in Word 98 format. To download please click here

Under the terms of Circular 20/’90 boards of management and principal teachers are requested to draw up a 'Code of Behaviour and Discipline' for schools in accordance with guidelines which were enclosed with the Circular.

This Circular also states that where a board of management employs detention as part of its Code of Behaviour and Discipline, arrangements should be made to have the pupil(s) concerned properly supervised during the period of detention. Advice received by the Minister indicates that, if it is proposed to detain a pupil after school hours, the parents or guardians, concerned should be notified of this in advance.

Children are entitled to an education free from frequent disruptions in a safe, secure environment. In order to protect the rights of children, teachers and others who work in schools, the Principal Teacher and the teaching staff should draw up a Code of Discipline in consultation with parents which should be submitted for approval to the Board. Once agreed by the Board the Code of Behaviour and Discipline should be circulated to parents.

It should be reviewed by the school staff at regular intervals.

It is not possible to compile a definitive Code of Discipline that will apply to all schools. Approaches to school discipline must take account of the particular needs and circumstances of individual schools.

The following may be of assistance in the compilation of a Code of Discipline:

Discipline in the Primary School.

This INTO publication on school discipline contains a composite version of many Codes of Discipline which were examined by the Education Committee in the preparation of the report. It is available from INTO Head Office, 35 Parnell Square, Dublin 1.

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