§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what recent assessment he has made of the effect on other children at school(a) academically and (b) emotionally of not excluding disruptive pupils. [134933]
§ Jacqui SmithHer Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools' latest annual report shows a clear link between standards of behaviour and educational achievement.
We have made clear that Headteachers can permanently exclude pupils who are very disruptive or violent. And our recently issued new guidance for exclusion appeal panels indicates that the Headteacher's decision to exclude should not be overridden in a range of circumstances including where there is violence or the threat of violence.
290WIn addition, we are making provision for over 1,000 on-site Learning Support Units by 2002, to ensure that disruptive pupils are removed from the classroom quickly so they do not disrupt other pupils' education.
§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many pupils in state schools were permanently excluded in(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000. [134707]
§ Jacqui SmithThe latest available data on permanent exclusions are shown in the following table. Data on permanent exclusions in the school year 1999–2000 will be collected in January 2001 and published in May 2001 (provisional date).
Further information on permanent exclusions will be published at the end of November 2000 in a Statistical Bulletin, a copy of which will be placed in the Library.
We are providing £174 million next year to help schools and LEAs tackle exclusion—a third more than in 1999–2000 and 10 times more than in 1996–97. This is helping to pay for more than 1,000 on-site Learning Support Units which take disruptive pupils out of the classroom quickly, improve their behaviour and reduce the need for exclusion. Where an exclusion is necessary, provision for excluded pupils is being greatly increased. There are now 1,000 more places and 250 more teachers in Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) than in 1997. The quality of PRUs is improving and by 2002 all local education authorities will be required to provide a full timetable for excluded pupils.
Numbers of permanent exclusions in schools in England 1996–97 to 1998–991 Number 1998–99 10,438 1997–98 12,298 1996– 12,668 1Includes Maintained Primary, Secondary, Special and Non-maintained Special Schools Source:
January Schools' Census