Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she is taking steps to ensure that policies on (a) behaviour and (b) discipline in school do not escalate a child's distress.

Pupil behaviour is a priority for the government. No pupil should miss out on education because they feel unsafe, because their lesson is disrupted, or fall behind because their needs are not identified and supported.

In July 2022, the department published the updated ‘Behaviour in schools guidance’, which is the primary source of help and support for schools on developing and implementing a behaviour policy that can create a school culture with high expectations of behaviour. Schools should ensure that high standards and expectations of good behaviour pervade all aspects of school life, creating calm, safe and supportive environments where pupils and staff can work in safety and are respected.

The department trusts school leaders to develop tailored behaviour policies that reflect their school’s individual contexts and needs. Any school behaviour policy must be lawful, proportionate and reasonable and comply with the school’s duties under the Equality Act 2010 and the Education and Inspections Act 2006. Account must be taken of a pupil’s age, any special educational needs or disability they may have, and any religious requirements affecting them. Within these legal parameters, it is then for individual schools to develop their own policies.