ABSTRACT
The school environment is complex. Students and adults alike must become familiar with the many boundaries, guidelines and expectations that exist. Establishing a whole school ethos can seem, in theory, to be a relatively straightforward step. In practice, however, establishing a consistent and school-wide ethos is altogether different. Policies need to be written, rules and expectations published and induction of new staff and students planned. Group dynamics, individual needs and entrenched ways of working all impact and alter what, theoretically, may seem solid and clear working practices. Agreed systems and practices that affect all stakeholders at all levels need to be developed and established. The stakeholders in the whole school community include all the students and every adult. There will always be individual students who will need to be treated differently because of their special needs. This is allowed for within their Individual Education or Behaviour Plan.
