Teachers get power to control tearaways

Teachers have been handed back power in classrooms.
They will be able to search students for mobile phone, pornography and cigarettes as well as be able to hand out detentions on the same day and use force on disruptive pupils, under new Government moves.

Schools Minister Nick Gibb has announced schools should not have “no touch” policies and teachers should feel able to use force when they need to.

He said: “It cannot be right that teachers are afraid to use force to constrain out-of-control and disruptive pupils for fear of retribution and malicious allegations. We will strengthen the guidance and legislate if necessary to make it plain when and how teachers might need to use force to control pupils. We want to put an end to rumours and malicious gossip about innocent teachers which can ruin careers and even lives.”

Government say improving behaviour in schools is a priority. Currently the law gives teachers the power to keep pupils in detention if they give parents 24-hour written notice.

But under new plans the ban on same-day detentions would be removed and each school would decide how it informs parents.

More powers will also be given to staff to search pupils.

As it stands only pupils suspected of carrying a knife or weapons can be searched without consent, but from September the powers will be extended to include among others, alcohol, controlled drugs and legal highs, and stolen property.

Mr Gibb said: “All pupils should show respect and courtesy towards teachers, towards other staff and towards each other.

“Head teachers help to create that culture of respect by supporting their staff’s authority to discipline pupils. The role of the Government is to give schools the freedom and support they need to provide a safe and structured environment in which teachers can teach and children can learn

“We know that the majority of pupils are well-behaved and want others to behave well too.

“Heads and teachers know best how to improve behaviour but are too often constrained by regulations which inhibit them from maintaining control of the classroom.

“Today we are removing red tape so that teachers can ensure discipline in the classroom and promote good behaviour.”

Teachers accused by pupils will also be given anonymity.