UK teachers set to be backed using ‘reasonable force’ to curb bad behaviour
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Teachers are set to be backed to use “reasonable force” on pupils in a crackdown on bad behaviour in schools, according to a report.
A leaked government document, obtained by the Guardian, reportedly includes several controversial new measures, including harsher rules for tackling unruly pupils and cuts to the number of teaching assistants.
Confiscating mobile phones, same-day detentions and backing headteachers to expel disruptive children, with new guidance on behaviour, are said to be among the planned measures for schools in England.
The Department for Education (DfE) paper, dated 22 August and marked “Official-Sensitive”, also includes explicit support for headteachers “using reasonable force” in their efforts to improve discipline, the Guardian said.
“This government backs headteachers to improve behaviour and will support them to create safe and disciplined school environments,” the document reportedly states.
“We will back heads to use powers to promote good behaviour including sanctions and rewards; using reasonable force; to search and confiscate items from pupils (including mobile phones); impose same-day detentions; suspend and expel pupils; ban mobile phones.”
