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Further fall in school exclusions
26/01/2010
The number of pupil exclusions in Scottish schools has fallen for the second year running, according to national statistics published today.
Keith Brown, Minister for Skills and Lifelong Learning, welcomed the reduction saying this reflected the good work of schools and local authorities to ensure pupils are more engaged in their learning.
School exclusions have now fallen in each of the past two years, following annual increases from 2002 to 2006. In 2008-09 exclusions fell by 15 per cent on the previous year and by 24 per cent compared to 2006-07. General or persistent disobedience and verbal abuse of staff continue to be the main reasons for exclusions.
During a visit to Lochend Community High School in Easterhouse, which has achieved significant reductions in pupil exclusions in recent years, Mr Brown said:
"Schools across Scotland work hard to prevent situations escalating to the stage where pupil exclusion from school becomes a necessary step. These figures show the many approaches schools and local authorities have in place are having a real impact, with exclusions down by 15 per cent.
"However, we must not be complacent. While exclusions due to serious issues such as violence or substance misuse are rare, we need to continue to promote positive behaviour in our schools and give targeted support where needed.
"Of course, the best way to reduce exclusions is to ensure learning is exciting, relevant and engaging for young people and I believe this a major factor behind the fall in exclusions during the past two years.
"I'm heartened to hear about the work Lochend High has taken forward, not only the preventative steps to tackle behaviour problems, but the excellent curricular options that actually mean pupils want to be in school.
"Alongside measures such as restorative practices and nurture groups, we can continue to reduce the need for exclusions and ensure our classrooms are both peaceful and productive."
Gordon Shaw, Headteacher of Lochend Community High School, said:
"At Lochend, we provide a broad range of subjects to ensure young people are more engaged, including creative arts and hospitality.
"One example that has been really successful is for S5 and S6 home economics students who take part in the Culinary Excellence Programme, which gives them the chance to test their skills in the real world of work.
"Lochend pupils have worked with the highly acclaimed Bryan Maule in his Glasgow city centre restaurant Chardon D'Or. The impact of participating in this programme is really apparent and pupils have enhanced their self esteem while developing important skills that will stand them in good stead for the future."
The three-yearly Behaviour in Scottish Schools Research, published in November 2009, found that more than 90 per cent of teachers believe all or most pupils are generally well behaved around school, while the most common behavioural issues encountered were low level indiscipline.
Lochend Community High School in Easterhouse, Glasgow, has seen a substantial fall in pupil exclusions in the past two years, with a reduction of over 63 per cent - from 318 in 2006-07 to 117 in 2008-09. Pupils in areas of deprivation, such as Easterhouse, are more likely to be excluded from school.
Schools and local authorities undertake a wide range of approaches to promote positive behaviour. Restorative practices aim to ensure pupils take responsibility for their actions and see the impact these actions can have from other people's perspective. Nurture groups address the social, emotional and behavioural needs of young people, both as separate groups and within mainstream classes.