MSPS react to South Lanarkshire’s exclusion stats
South Lanarkshire’s MSPS have welcomed figures that reveal less pupils are excluded from schools in the area than the national average.
There were 21.2 exclusion incidents per 1000 pupils in the region in 2018-19 compared to a national average of 21.6 per 1000 pupils.
However, they were still concerned that over 2000 school days had been lost by students who were excluded.
East Kilbride MSP Linda Fabiani said: “Exclusion from school should of course only ever be used as a last resort, with all facts and circumstances should be taken into account when that decision is taken. It is crucial that the impact on the pupil, and all those involved, is taken into consideration.
“I understand South Lanarkshire Council’s exclusion rate is lower than the national average, but behind every exclusion there is an individual story.
Next time I meet with the Council’s Education Department I’ll raise this issue with particular relevance to East Kilbride.”
Clydesdale MSP Aileen Campbell said: “While these figures show the number of exclusions from Clydesdale schools is slightly below the national average, it remains disappointing that any pupil is excluded from our schools. There are a number of factors behind why a pupil can be excluded which have to be considered, and we know that schools do not take these decisions lightly.
“The rate of exclusion has more than halved since 2006/07 due to the continued focus by schools and education authorities to build on and improve their relationship with children and young people most at risk of exclusion. Refreshed guidance has recently been published by the Scottish Government which gives a stronger focus on approaches that can be used to prevent the need for exclusion, ensuring all children and young people are included and engaged in their education.”
Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse MSP Christina Mckelvie said: “Exclusion from school can have a huge impact on the pupils excluded, their families and the wider school community. It is clear that it should only ever be considered in cases as an absolute last resort.
“Where possible other less disruptive ways of resolving problem behaviours and situations should be used to keep pupils in the school system. Sadly for vulnerable young people the loss of their place at school can exacerbate any problems they face.
“I know this belief is something that the education team in the council agree with strongly and that is likely one of the reasons that South Lanarkshire Council’s number of exclusion incidents is lower than the national average. I welcome this but of course there is always more we can do.
“I am confident that the SNP administration in South Lanarkshire Council will continue to build on their success, giving all our young people the best chance to succeed in life.”
Clare Haughey, MSP for Rutherglen, added:“the total number of exclusion days in South Lanarkshire schools are very minimal - ranging from less than 0.01 per cent of primary school attendance days to less than 0.1 per cent in secondary schools. Our schools don’t take exclusion decisions lightly, and even in the most nurturing and respectful of environments, there will be instances where behaviours displayed by pupils are unacceptable.
“Each and every teaching day is important for the development of children and young adults, so by working holistically with parents and other stakeholders, we can try to further reduce South Lanarkshire’s exclusion rate - which is already lower than the national average.
“Our teachers do an incredible job, often in challenging circumstances. In recognition of this, Scottish teachers were recently given the best pay deal of any UK country, and South Lanarkshire Council has taken steps to markedly reduce the number of teaching vacancies.”