School discipline code considered

Friday, 20 May 2005 12:00 AM

Setting up a national discipline code for schools will be among the measures considered by a new government body charged with improving pupil behaviour.

Heads and teachers who are experts in school discipline will come together in the new group, unveiled today, to consult on the best ways of creating a "culture of respect" among school pupils.

The Leadership Group on Behaviour and Discipline will advise the Government on how to instill discipline in the classroom, to increase parental responsibility for the behaviour of their children at school, and to foster a culture of respect.

"Real progress had been made in tackling serious bad behaviour in schools," said Schools Minister Jacqui Smith.

"However, a culture of respect, good behaviour and firm discipline must be the norm in all schools all of the time."

The group will weigh up the merits of a national code setting out the role and responsibilities of schools, pupils and parents in promoting good behaviour.

It will also consider whether heads need more powers to deal with discipline, and whether teachers can be better trained to manage poor behaviour.

Teaching unions and professional bodies will recommend candidates for the group based on their record and achievement, particularly in the way they have dealt with unruly behaviour.

The move is considered a major plank of the Government's bid to crack down on indiscipline.

Ms Smith added: "The Government has provided schools with powers, training, and support to deal with disruptive behaviour, but we know that the real work is done on the front line by heads and teachers.

"We cannot simply legislate bad behaviour out of the classroom. It has to be delivered on the ground by teachers with the full backing of parents."

The group, to be chaired by Sir Alan Steer of the Seven Kings School, Ilford, will have a wide ranging remit that also includes considering what schools need to do to ensure serious disciplinary incidents are rare, how schools can collaborate more effectively and what can be done to protect teachers.

NASUWT general secretary Chris Keates said: "The fact that barely 15 days into a third term the Government is making quite clear its intention to give pupil indiscipline a high priority will be welcomed by teachers."

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