School Board Research

Safe Schools Policies

Overview of Key Safe School Policies (PPMs) 

The Ministry of Education in Ontario issues Policy/Program Memoranda (PPMs) to direct school boards on specific requirements. The following three policies form the backbone of Ontario’s “Safe Schools” framework: 

PPM 128 – The Provincial Code of Conduct and School Board Codes of Conduct 

  • Effective: September 1, 2024
  • Purpose: Sets out minimum standards of behavior for all individuals in publicly funded schools (students, staff, parents, visitors). 
  • Sample Requirements: 
    • Boards must establish their own Codes of Conduct aligned with the provincial Code. 
    • Local policies must include expectations for behavior, consequences for infractions, and must address inappropriate behaviour. 
    • Must establish procedures for enforcing the Code of Conduct.  
    • Must post signage in school entrances and other visible places that reflects the behavioural expectations of the Provincial Code of Conduct.  
    • Must include communication of how all members of the school community would appropriately report unacceptable behaviour.  

PPM 144 – Bullying Prevention and Intervention 

  • Date of Issue/Effective: November 25, 2021
  • Purpose: Provides direction to school boards to prevent bullying and respond effectively when it occurs. 
  • Requirements: 
    • Define bullying clearly, including cyberbullying. 
    • Outline reporting, investigating, and responding procedures. 
    • Address supports for both the victim and aggressor. 
    • Include timelines for action and safety planning for the targeted student. 

PPM 145 – Progressive Discipline and Promoting Positive Student Behaviour 

  • Date of Issue/Effective Date: October 17, 2018
  • Purpose: Guides boards to use progressive discipline to encourage positive student behavior and maintain safe schools. 
  • Requirements: 
    • Emphasizes restorative practices and student engagement. 
    • Discipline should be corrective and supportive—not solely punitive. 
    • Boards must offer a range of responses from early interventions to suspensions or expulsions where necessary. 
    • Requires consideration of mitigating factors.