Behaviour Policy

Rahma Academy is a tarbiyah-focused maktab. Our approach to behaviour is rooted in adab, mercy and consistency. We aim to build good character rather than simply to control conduct, and we work in partnership with parents.

Our expectations of pupils

• Arrive on time, prepared, and with the required books and equipment.
• Show respect to teachers, to fellow pupils and to the building.
• Listen attentively, follow instructions first time, and take part fully in lessons.
• Speak kindly. No name-calling, mocking, swearing or physical aggression.
• Handle the Qur’an and all Islamic books with care and respect.
• Stay in the designated areas and never leave the premises without permission.

Rewards and encouragement

• Verbal praise and du’a for the child.
• Merits, stickers and certificates for effort, character and progress.
• Positive contact home to share good news with parents.
• Recognition for improvement, not only for attainment.

Sanctions

Sanctions are proportionate, applied fairly, and never humiliating. In order:

1. A quiet reminder of the expectation.
2. A formal verbal warning.
3. A short time-out within the classroom or supervised nearby.
4. Discussion with the session lead, and contact with parents.
5. A meeting with parents to agree a support plan.
6. In serious or persistent cases, temporary or permanent exclusion from the maktab, as a last resort and only with leadership approval.

Corporal punishment is never used at Rahma Academy. We do not use physical force as a sanction, shouting, humiliation, sarcasm, withdrawal of food or drink, or any degrading treatment. Physical intervention is used only to prevent immediate harm, is the minimum necessary, and is recorded and reported to parents and the Designated Safeguarding Lead the same day.

Bullying and child-on-child abuse

We take all forms of child-on-child abuse seriously and never dismiss them as “banter” or part of growing up. This includes bullying (including online), physical abuse, sexual harassment, sexual violence, sharing of nude or semi-nude images, and initiation or hazing rituals.

• Any incident is reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead the same day and recorded.
• The victim is supported, listened to, and never made to feel at fault.
• Parents of both children are informed, and the wider group is supported where needed.
• Where the behaviour may be criminal, or a child may be at risk of significant harm, we refer to children’s social care and, where appropriate, the police.
• Repeat patterns are monitored and addressed as a safeguarding matter, not only a behaviour matter.

Children with additional needs

We adjust our expectations and support for children with special educational needs, disabilities or unmet needs at home. Behaviour is often communication; where a child is repeatedly struggling we work with parents to understand why. See our SEND, Inclusion & Equality Policy.

Working with parents

We contact parents early rather than waiting for problems to escalate. Parents are asked to support the maktab’s expectations at home and to raise any concerns with us through our Complaints Policy.