ASCL doubts Tory proposals

Proposals by the Conservative party on improving school discipline may have "unintended negative consequences", it has been warned.

The Association of School and College Leaders' general secretary, John Dunford, said some "elements" of the Tory recommendations "would, if enacted, cause some problems".

He said ending the independent appeals process after exclusion would lead to more parents going to court and criticised plans to force good schools to accept those who had previously been expelled.

Dr Dunford said the Tories proposed to "undo the good work already happening" in schools involved in behaviour partnerships, which his organisation has backed as the "right way forward in dealing with hard-to-teach pupils".

And he opposed Conservative plans to scrap the 24-hour notice period for school detentions.

He added: "Helpful as it would be to be able to give immediate detentions, one has to recognise the increasing importance of safeguarding children and this surely requires that a day's notice should be given."