§ 25. Mr. AmessTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what recent assessment she has made on the impact of disciplinary problems on standards in schools. [64420]
§ Mr. Stephen TwiggIn his annual report for 2000–01 Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools reported that standards of behaviour were unsatisfactory in one secondary school in 12 and one primary school in 50. He added that unsatisfactory behaviour in some secondary schools had undermined efforts to raise standards, and that such behaviour and negative attitudes towards work were significant problems in half of the secondary schools making poor progress in raising attainment.
We have provided extensive support to schools to tackle disruptive behaviour and help improve standards, including funding for over 1,050 Learning Support Units, guidance on discipline and exclusion policies, and guidance on developing effective anti-bullying strategies. In addition, the £66 million made available through this year's Budget will fund a programme of focused support for schools in the 34 LEAs facing the toughest challenges of behaviour and criminality.
We will also extend the availability of Parenting Orders, so that these can cover parents of pupils excluded for violence or persistent serious disruption.