Group to focus on school discipline

Experts in school discipline are set to meet today in a bid to
tackle pupil behaviour, according to schools minister Jacqui Smith
today, writes Clare Jerrom.

The group, chaired by Sir Alan Steer from Seven Kings High
School in Ilford, London, will advise the government on how to
improve parental responsibility, deliver a culture of respect in
schools and promote positive behaviour.

“The government has made tackling bad behaviour a major
priority, providing schools with unprecedented powers, training and
resources,” said Smith. “But success in tackling bad
behaviour is delivered by teachers and heads with the backing of
parents.”

The group will report on:-

• How effective collaboration can be built up between
schools to tackle pupil misbehaviour
• How parents can be effectively engaged in promoting good
behaviour
•  Whether there is merit in a national code on behaviour
setting out the responsibilities of schools, pupils and parents in
promoting good behaviour

The report is due at the end of October.