Targeting Excellence through an Ethos of Achievement

The ethos within a school, and its attitudes towards its pupils, has a significant impact on a child's experience and attainment. The Government is committed to promoting social inclusion, where all children have the chance to grasp opportunities open to them - regardless of their abilities or background. A school cannot by itself ensure that all children have these chances, but it does have a role to play.

Adopting an inclusive approach in the management of schools, and to tackling some of the factors which hinder learning, can have a positive effect on the educational experience of all children. Equally, ensuring that all children have a time and place to study, and offering opportunities to support classroom learning outwith the school day is important. It is essential too that children with special educational needs are supported, and their skills and learning potential developed.

• Establishing an anti-bullying network
• A focus on good practice in reducing non-attendance
• Support for new techniques in promoting positive discipline in schools
• Investment of £23m in alternatives to exclusion for children at risk of exclusion
• Investment of £50m (including £23m Lottery money) in study support
• Action for improvement in provision for special educational needs
• Establish a School Drug Safety Team

• Continuing the expansion of the Scottish Schools Ethos Network
• Reviewing existing guidance on homework to ensure that each school has an effective policy
• Continuing to focus on promoting positive discipline in schools
• Establishing a new independent advice service for children and families with special educational needs
• Reviewing alternatives to the present structure of the school year and the school day