In December of 2005, the NEWB commenced a three phase process which will result in the development of the first national Guidelines for School Codes of Behaviour.

These Guidelines will focus on how schools can deal progressively and inclusively with behavioural issues, thereby helping to support participation in education for all.

The Board appointed an expert group to draw up Guidelines which will form the basis for a widespread consultation process with schools, parents, education partners, organisations working with children, and critically children themselves. The feedback from this consultation phase will inform the final Guidelines.This consultation stage is scheduled to commence in the 2006/07 school year.

The development of Guidelines for School Codes of Behaviour is provided for in Section 23 (2) of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000. The Guidelines will apply to all schools covered by the Act.

The NEWB Guidelines will take account of the work of the Department of Education & Science’s Task Force on Student Behaviour in Second Level. However, its guidelines will focus primarily on supporting the process for the development of policy that promotes positive behaviour by students.