CALL FOR SCHOOL DISCIPLINE REFORM

QUEENSLAND’S peak child protection body is demanding the Education Minister do more to stop so many of the state’s most vulnerable children being suspended and expelled from state schools.

PeakCare has written to Grace Grace following shock statistics revealed by News Corp that children in care are being suspended at a rate six times higher than other students, which advocates argue is funnelling children into further disadvantage and the youth justice system.

The letter requests a meeting with Ms Grace and experts in the child safety field to discuss other disciplinary measures that would keep children in school, like sending children to cool-down zones, or working with children on plans that outlined consequences for problem behaviour.

PeakCare executive director Lindsay Wegener said disciplinary policies couldn’t ignore the trauma faced by atrisk kids.

He called for a more public review to follow Education Queensland’s internal review of the problems, arguing “they’re talking to themselves”.

“The most important people here to listen to are children themselves and their families,” he said.