Best Way to Make Detentions Work Effectively

One of the most popular forms of sanction used in school is the deten­tion. In order for this to work effectively, it must be followed up, which can be very time-consuming for a teacher.

Any sanction is only as effective as the result it achieves. If you find yourself handing out detentions like sweets, but no one ever turns up, it is time to review what is going wrong! Ideally, any form of punish­ment should be relative to the ‘crime’ and follow some standard form of consequences:

Consequence 1 – First verbal warning issued, requesting a change in behaviour.

Consequence 2 – Second verbal warning, detailing what sanction can be expected if the behaviour is not modified (for example, kept back, 10-minute detention, etc.)

Consequence 3 – Sanction imposed with a further verbal warning.

I advise all teachers to create and display a behaviour checklist in their classrooms that clearly shows what is acceptable and what sanctions will be imposed if expectations are not met.

Remember: always give the student(s) the chance to address and reform their behaviour before imposing any punishment.

Top tips on detention

•    As a teacher you are legally allowed to impose a same-day deten­tion for up to 15 minutes.
•    Short, same-day detentions are generally held at break time, lunchtime or after school.
•    Teachers are responsible for monitoring their own detentions if you impose them, you must follow them up. Do not expect a colleague to hold your detentions for you!
•    You must give 24 hours’ notice if you intend to impose longer detentions, and the student’s parents or guardians must be informed. This can be arranged via a telephone call or letter/slip home.
•    Department, faculty or year detentions may also be appropriate. These generally last around 30 minutes and will be monitored by an appropriate member of staff.
•    For serious cases or repeat offenders, the option of senior man­agement detentions may be considered.

Different schools will have different policies on following up non-atten­dance to detentions. Where possible, approach the student direct and ask them why they did not turn up before contacting parents or other members of staff. Students do forget things!