Ofsted urges disruptive behaviour to be tackled in schools

Less than half of schools and Local Education Authorities have
established strong partnerships with social services and health,
according to a report published today, writes Clare
Jerrom.

The finding emerged in a report by the schools watchdog Ofsted
which aims to help schools tackle disruptive behaviour in
schools.

Inspectors found that some primary and secondary schools
reported that up to half of their pupils were showing challenging
behaviour.

The report also found that:-

• Pupils displaying withdrawn, anxious and depressed
behaviour were under-identified in all types of setting.

• Self-harm occurred in more than half of the secondary
schools visited and in around a third of special schools, pupil
referral units and primary schools.

• Gang culture was perceived to be in one in five
secondary schools visited.

• Drug abuse was a daily problem in PRUs and colleges.

Ofsted urges schools to develop strong links with parents in
order to improve behaviour as well as using systems to track and
analyse behaviour.

It also urges schools, colleges and PRUs do more to improve the
literacy and other communication skills of pupils with difficult
behaviour.

Managing Challenging Behaviour from www.ofsted.gov.uk