Time Out Policy

Date Approved: August 2024
Approved By: Principal
Date of Review: August 2025

Page Contents

Rationale

  • The intention of the TC Timeout policy is not to be a punishment, but to preserve the learning environment.

  • If a student is not contributing positively to the learning environment, they will need time out of the learning space.

  • Staff should focus on working with students who are motivated to learn and want to be present in the classroom.  In this school, where students have a wide range of choice, if a student does not wish to be in a particular class, then their relevant Community Executive Team (CET) will be engaged.  The only choice that does not exist, is the choice to do nothing.

  • As a school, we understand the difference between not trying, and finding things difficult. We want students to understand that great learning happens when we are challenged.

  • All students have a bad day. We are still about preserving the learning environment.

Purpose

To preserve the learning environment and ensure safety in the classroom.

Scope

This Policy applies to all students @TC, in any classroom or other learning environment

Policy

Possible reasons for a student requiring Timeout from the learning environment

  • Actively refusing to engage in meaningful learning

  • Repeated disrupting, yelling, talking over the teacher

  • Repeatedly ignoring reasonable instructions from a staff member

  • Aggressive swearing or intimidation

  • Discriminatory language that in breach of our inclusion and diversity policy e.g., homophobic, transphobic, sexist, racist, anti-Semitic

  • Any act that jeopardizes safety of others

Guidelines and process

  • If a student is not contributing constructively to their development or the learning environment after being reminded of expectations, a staff member may use the Timeout process to remove them from the learning environment.

  • Before reaching this stage, the student should be provided with clear feedback regarding their observed behaviour, along with opportunities to receive support and assistance in managing or resolving the situation.

  • Staff can complete the Timeout Form (available on the Staff @ TC Teams page) if a student needs to be removed from the class, including the name of the student and the room the class is located. This form will go to all CET and APs, who will organise a Supporting Staff member to immediately collect the student from class. The student may be asked to wait outside the classroom if necessary. That support staff member will then take the student to an appropriate space to allow them to calm down if necessary, give the student an opportunity to give their account, and discuss why they were given a timeout and what can be done to make it right. The student will be advised that their parents will be notified that they were exited and given the opportunity to speak to their parents about it first.

  • The staff member requesting a Timeout will post a chronicle ‘Class Timeout’ at the end of the day. Supporting Staff member can comment on the post and attach any relevant documents/conversations.

  • The staff member requesting the Timeout will have a brief ‘check-in’ with the student before or during the beginning of the next class. The focus of this is on repair. Staff can use the resource “restorative questions” to help them to guide the conversation.

  • If a student refuses to leave the classroom, the supporting staff will advise on next steps (may remain in the class as support, ask the rest of class to exit, etc.)

  • Once a staff member has made the decision to give a student a Timeout, they must follow through with this expectation.

  • If a student is exited from the same class multiple times, their place in the class should be reviewed in discussion with their CET.

  • If a staff or student is in immediate danger, the School Incidence Response number should be called for assistance.

Communication of this policy

This policy will be communicated to our school community in the following ways:

  • Available publicly on the school website

  • Included in staff induction process

  • Included in transition correspondence to new families

  • Discussed at staff meetings/briefings as required

  • Discussed at parent information evenings/sessions as required

  • Annually referenced in Next Week @TC

  • Hard copy available from school administration upon request

Further information and resources