Behaviour
Schools are vital in helping children learn to behave well, develop good relationships and cope with change and challenges in life. These are skills they need for a successful and happy school career, and in their lives.
Most pupils are well-behaved in school, however it is important to foster a positive climate for learning in all classrooms. The actions of a minority should not be allowed to disturb the well-behaved majority. Promoting positive behaviour and relationships in school, tackling bullying and encouraging good attendance are therefore high priorities for the Government.
Work with schools and education authorities is ongoing to develop good practice and help ensure that pupils are engaged, supported and settled.
Better Behaviour - Better Learning
In 2001 the Discipline Task Group's report Better Behaviour - Better Learning made 36 recommendations aimed at improving school discipline. It is a consistent guide for schools and local authorities and makes clear there is no one solution to indiscipline.
The Connect Report shows progress in implementing Better Behaviour - Better Learning in schools. It was published in 2004. It found that local authorities were making progress on most of the recommendations made in the report. Progress was also measured in the Climate for Learning report published by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) in March 2005.
Behaviour in Scottish Schools provides a robust, independent picture of pupil behaviour in schools, including positive and negative behaviours and measures used by schools and school staff to promote good discipline. It is based on a large-scale, self-report survey of education authority staff, headteachers, teachers and additional support staff, and was developed in collaboration with teaching unions and education leaders.
For more information and examples of best practice see the Better Behaviour website.