Rising violence in classroom ...but minister doesn’t want a crackdown
SCHOOLS should not adopt a stricter approach to pupil exclusions despite concerns about soaring classroom violence, according to the Education Secretary.
Jenny Gilruth yesterday said she does not support ‘more punitive approaches’ to school exclusions and even suggested that pupils should no longer be given punishment exercises.
The former teacher said she favours a ‘restorative’ approach, which focuses on making pupils understand the impact of their behaviour. Her comments came ahead of an action plan to tackle school viofrom
‘Teachers and pupils suffer’
lence, which is due to be published by the end of next month.
Concerns have been growing as teaching staff warn they are being driven out of school because of the effect of classroom attacks.
Critics called for an end to the ‘dither and delay’ by SNP ministers over action to tackle the problem.
On BBC Radio Scotland’s Mornings show yesterday, Ms Gilruth was pressed on the fact the use of exclusions has drastically fallen over the past decade. She said: ‘The move away from exclusion is to be welcomed in many ways. But we also need to say it remains there as an option for teachers to use.
‘But we also need to reflect that many young people were removed education and denied their education as a result of exclusions.
‘We need to be mindful of that and the drift towards more punitive approaches. I don’t think that would be in the right direction for Scotland’s young people.’
She said she will work with teachers on a ‘renewed national effort’ to tackle the problem and promised her action plan will give them support to ensure classrooms are safe.
But she also told presenter Kaye Adams of the importance of a ‘restorative’ approach to tackling behavioural problems.
Ms Gilruth said: ‘When I started teaching I actually used to issue punishment exercises.
‘The system in Scotland’s schools has moved away from that model, much more towards... a restorative approach to behaviour.’
Asked if that process should continue, she said: ‘Broadly, yes, I think having a restorative approach can work.’
Education Scotland guidance on restorative approaches to behaviour in school states: ‘Naming, blaming, shaming or punishing are not part of this thought process.’
Tory education spokesman Liam Kerr said: ‘Schools across Scotland continue to be plagued with violence and teachers and pupils are suffering the consequences.
‘The SNP Government cannot continue to dither and delay, leaving teachers and students at the mercy of abuse in the classroom.’