New Powers in School Discipline Welcomed

Gwenda Thomas AM has welcomed new powers coming into force which clarify teacher’s roles when it comes to discipline and exclusions.

The new powers under the Education and Inspection Act 2006 reaffirm teachers’ ability to:

• Discipline pupils on and off school premises,


• use reasonable force to prevent pupils from harming themselves and others and in some cases of serious misbehaviour,


• clarify the powers relating to confiscation of pupil’s property.

The new powers and guidance for schools released today will clarify what teachers can do when sanctioning pupils when they misbehave.

Gwenda Thomas AM said: ‘Children in school, especially those who are vulnerable, must be protected, treated fairly, consistently and know what behaviour is acceptable. Teachers must also be aware what powers are available to discipline children, and how to apply them’.

‘School, however, must be a place where positive behaviour is encouraged, and the need for disciplinary sanctions is reduced. Schools and colleges must become environments where an education is easily and enjoyably attained.’

The new powers come into force on the day that schools and further education colleges in Wales have the power to screen any pupil for a knife or weapon under the Violent Crime Reduction Act.

Guidance on the commencement of new powers under the Education and Inspection Act 2006 and Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 will now be sent to schools and will also be made available on the Welsh Assembly Government’s website.

Guidance on use of reasonable force and searching for weapons is available at the following links:

English

Welsh

Existing Inclusion and Pupil Support guidance is being revised to take account of the new powers on behaviour and discipline being commenced. This will be available on Monday 1st November at the following links:

English

Welsh