Union wants crackdown on disruptive pupils
A teaching union is urging the government to crackdown on swearing, disruption, bullying and verbal abuse in schools.
The National Union of Teachers (NUT) wants schools to be given the power to expel pupils who cause persistent disruption
It says every member of the school community should be allowed to teach and learn free from fear of physical or verbal abuse and bullying.
The union has launched a charter of rights and responsibilities for pupils, parents and teachers.
It wants reforms to the current system to ensure every local authority provides access to behaviour support services.
It is calling for legislation to clarify the authority of teachers so reasonable actions taken to maintain good discipline are beyond legal challenge.
The charter stresses the responsibility of parents to back schools’ actions to tackle pupil behaviour, and in return pledges high quality education free from the fear of being bullied.
It says teachers have a responsibility to respect all the children and young people they teach, to keep parents informed and to keep their pupils safe.
NUT general secretary Steve Sinnott said: “Currently, it is apparent that an environment exists in which some pupils believe it is acceptable to employ disruptive, abusive and, very occasionally, violent behaviour towards teachers.
“Sadly some parents too demonstrate a similar lack of respect. Unacceptable behaviour is the trigger for many teachers to leave the profession.”
He added: “This charter offers a way to try to ensure that every member of the school community can teach and learn free from fear of physical or verbal abuse or bullying. Learning and teaching are at their best when they can take place in a calm, ordered atmosphere.
“Clear discipline codes in every school developed with the support of teachers and pupils and supported by parents can help ensure that every child and every member of staff can gain the maximum from their time in school.”
The charter, called Learning to Behave, also calls for the burden of the curriculum to be reduced, for each pupil to be entitled to one-to-one support, and a review of teacher training on pupil behaviour management.
A group set up by the government, involving the NUT, to advise on how to instil discipline in the classroom and foster a culture of respect is due to report next month.
Prime Minister Tony Blair has made ‘respect’ and tackling disruptive behaviour a key priority for the Labour government’s third term.
