§ Mr. Win GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales since 1990–91 how much money under the grants for education support and training scheme has been allocated to programmes dealing with the management of pupil behaviour; and what percentage of overall funding this is.
§ Sir Wyn RobertsThe following sums have been specifically allocated to programmes within GEST aimed at improving support services for the most difficult pupils and for training to help improve teachers' practical skills in managing pupil behaviour:
185W
£ Percentage of total GEST funding 1990–91 280,600 1.2 1991–92 289,200 1.2 1992–93 233,000 0.8 TOTAL 802,800 1.0
§ Mr. Win GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many local education authorities provide midday supervisors and other non-teaching staff with training in the management of pupils' behaviour; and what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of this training.
§ Sir Wyn RobertsThis information is not available centrally. No assessment of such training has been undertaken by the Department.
§ Mr. Win GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of local education authorities in promoting better coordination between various local agencies dealing with pupils with behaviour or attendance problems and their families.
§ Sir Wyn RobertsEffective liaison with other agencies is an essential element in dealing with pupils with behaviour or attendance problems and its importance is stressed in much of the guidance produced on the Children Act 1989. The Department issued guidance in 1991 drawing attention to the need for statutory and non-statutory bodies to collaborate in order to secure the successful implementation of the Act.
The Department has agreed to contribute financially to a cities in schools initiative that has been established in Gwent to help combat truancy and to improve the quality of life for young people in the area.
§ Mr. Win GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what research his Department has sponsored in the last two years on the implications for pupil behaviour of arranging pupils in groups for teaching purposes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Wyn RobertsNone. The behaviour implications of grouping pupils for teaching purposes were, however, discussed in the Elton report into discipline in schools.