Give teachers the powers they need to sort out discipline
Growing concerns over violence and disruption in schools and on the streets

Stephen Metcalfe, prospective Conservative Member of Parliament for South Basildon and East Thurrock has this week welcomed new policy proposals announced by Conservative leader, David Cameron, to restore classroom discipline and raise standards of behaviour in schools.

Life in local communities is being marred by violence and disruption in schools - and on the streets as well from children playing truant. These social problems hit the poorest areas the hardest. Bureaucratic rules imposed by the Labour Government have made it harder for teachers to keep order, while false allegations and assaults on teachers have never been higher.

Conservative proposals include:
• Restoring the authority of headteachers, by ending the right to appeal against exclusions to external panels. Parents would still have a right of appeal to school governors – who are the people who should decide such matters.
• Changing the law so that teachers can physically restrain violent pupils if they need to.
• Establishing new protections for teachers from false and malicious allegations.
• Giving headteachers the freedom to pay bonuses to teachers who do a good job.
• Allowing headteachers to ban any items they think may cause violence or disruption in schools.

Stephen said:
“In too many of our schools, good education is ruined by bad behaviour. The problem doesn’t lie with teachers – but with the Labour Government’s rules and regulations which stop teachers instilling proper discipline. Conservatives will give teachers and heads the powers they need to tackle disruptive kids, improve standards and ensure parents have a real choice over where to send their child.”

Posted 29/4/08

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