The purpose of this good practice document is to assist current practice in relation to serious behavioural incidents at your school, including serious misconduct and/or violent behaviour that may or may not result in stand-downs and suspensions.

Stand-downs and suspensions should always be the last response after a range of other interventions have been tried and have failed to improve the situation. Information and questions covering 13 key areas are outlined to give ideas and raise questions about the efficacy of your current and future school practice.

Links to useful information sources and resources are also provided.

Schools and Ministry of Education staff have contributed examples of case studies to help illustrate good practice.

We would like to thank and acknowledge all those who have provided information, feedback and case studies contained within this document.