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Minister comments on school exclusions statistics
29/01/2008
Pupils who are excluded from school are being failed by the system, according to Schools Minister Maureen Watt.
Commenting on statistics which show a four per cent increase in exclusions, Ms Watt said exclusion must always be a last resort.
The figures also show a 14 per cent rise in exclusions due to physical assault, though numbers are a very small proportion of the total exclusion figures.
The Scottish Government has written to CoSLA as part of a review of the collection of statistics on violence in schools, to discuss the option, among others, of resuming an annual collection.
During a visit to Tulliallan Primary in Fife, where exclusions have been eradicated by promoting positive behaviour, Ms Watt said:
"This government is extremely concerned about increasing exclusion rates and the further increase in violence as a reason for exclusion.
"We need comprehensive and reliable evidence to inform policy making. That's why we are consulting CoSLA about the best way to achieve this.
"However, we must ensure the cost and bureaucracy of collecting annual statistics does not divert time and resources from initiatives to tackle the root causes of indiscipline. We do, however, think there may be merit in standardised information on discipline being produced if councils are already collating it.
"I firmly believe that where a child is excluded from school we have - collectively - failed that child. Our early intervention policies will help to set children on the path for success, by providing them with the help and support they need.
"At Tulliallan today, I have seen the benefits that approaches designed to promote positive behaviour have. The school has eradicated exclusions and the pupils' exemplary behaviour was highlighted by HMIE in a recent report.
"I want more schools to consider how they can best serve their pupils' needs. Exclusion must always be the last resort and, where a pupil is excluded, arrangements must be made to address the issues and ease reintegration."
During the latest HMIE inspection of Tulliallan Primary, inspectors said: "Pupils' behaviour and manners were exemplary. The school used a highly effective system for managing pupils' behaviour and pupils promoted and demonstrated respect and tolerance towards each other."
The government is currently preparing best practice guidance on exclusions and will consult on this later this year.
Guidance on exclusions was last issued by the previous administration in November 2003. This marked the end of the national target to reduce exclusions by a third, removing pressure from teachers to artificially reduce exclusions.