HC Deb 02 December 1999 vol 340 cc307-8W
26. Dr. Naysmith

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what action he is taking to assist schools in dealing with disruptive pupils. [99369]

Jacqui Smith

We are making some £500 million available over three years for projects to tackle truancy, exclusion and disruption. This is backed up with new guidance "Social Inclusion: Pupil Support" on attendance, behaviour, the use of exclusion and re-integration. In addition, the Excellence in Cities initiative includes the provision of Learning Mentors and Learning Support Units to help schools better manage disruptive pupils.

I recently hosted a seminar to consider the principal issues about the education of children with emotional and behavioural difficulties. We shall consider carefully the many constructive suggestions that were made.