ATL: Proposals poorly thought out

The Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) has expressed doubts about Conservative proposals to improve school discipline.

General secretary Mary Bousted claims the policy document is "full of headline-grabbing phrases" but lacks substance.

She says some of the suggested measures create ambiguity for teachers and say the police, not teachers, should be the ones searching pupils.

"Teachers want to be able to teach, and the vast majority of pupils want to be taught," Dr Bousted commented.

"The Conservatives need to give more thought to how to help schools eliminate disruptive behaviour and create mutual respect between school staff and pupils."