- Funding to address problems at the root.
Education Secretary has announced £900,000 in
new funding for staff to tackle poor behaviour and
attendance in schools.
The funding will be provided directly to local authorities to
train support staff to respond to new challenges and develop
behaviour management strategies in schools post COVID.
It comes as part of a multi-year plan that is being developed in
conjunction with key stakeholders and will set out actions at
national, local and school level to improve behaviour and support
better relationships.
Actions include:
- the new Interim Chief Inspector being tasked with ensuring
HMI inspections are accurately recording behaviour to ensure any
issues are tackled as soon as possible
- a call for more accurate and robust recording of any
incidents of poor behaviour in schools
- a dedicated approach to responding to issues regarding
misogyny
Ms Gilruth said:
“It is important we keep the big picture in mind, with research
published yesterday showing staff reporting generally good
behaviour amongst pupils. However, the status quo is not an
option and the plan I am setting out today will provide the
support necessary to help tackle these problems at the root.
“I am absolutely clear that our schools should be safe and
consistent learning environments for all. No teacher, or support
assistant should face violence or abusive behaviour at work. We
cannot suggest that the pandemic has not exacerbated inequity and
nor must we blame it for these challenges. Schools, equally,
can’t do this all alone; they need help. We have to enact a
national plan which better supports our teachers and support
staff in the workplace; recognising the role of Local Government
as employer.
“And that plan has to better protect the learning outcomes for
our young people – the vast majority of whom are well behaved.
That is the prize that better behaviour in our schools can
deliver – and I look forward to working with our partners to
deliver just that.”
Background
Headteachers, teaching unions, local authorities, parents, carers
and children and young people will help inform the national
action plan to improve behaviour and support better relationships
in schools.
The plan will be developed in the coming weeks and published in
the new year.
Behaviour and
relationships in schools
