Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the use of restorative practice, and (2) prioritising conflict resolution over punishment in schools, to reduce the number of pupil exclusions.

Good behaviour in schools is crucial if children are to learn and reach their full potential. As well as delivering excellent teaching, schools should be calm, orderly, and disciplined environments free from the low-level disruption that prevents teachers from teaching, and pupils from studying.

All schools are required by law to have a behaviour policy outlining measures to encourage good behaviour and the sanctions that will be imposed for misbehaviour. Schools may use a range of techniques to support good behaviour, and the department trusts schools to have policies which suit the communities they serve. There is no right number of expulsions, but we are clear that expulsion should only be used as a last resort. Expulsion from school should not mean expulsion from a good quality education and support to reduce risk and vulnerability.

The department has published a range of advice and guidance to support schools to develop effective behaviour approaches. This advice can be viewed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/behaviour-and-discipline-in-schools.

We have an ambitious programme in place to improve behaviour across the school system, including improving Continuing Professional Development for teachers and school staff through the Early Career Framework and the revised National Professional Qualifications, which are due to launch in September 2021. The department is investing £10 million through the behaviour hubs programme, so that schools with exemplary behaviour cultures can work closely with schools that want and need to improve their behaviour. The first hubs are planned to launch in Spring 2021 and will run for an initial period of 3 years. More information about the behaviour hubs programme can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/behaviour-hubs.