Pupils show much better behaviour

Suspensions and exclusions slashed
THE number of suspensions handed out across Oldham schools last year has tumbled by almost 1,000.

And the number of children expelled from school across the borough has also fallen dramatically, from 90 to 50.

Figures from the Department for Education show that there were 1,190 yellow cards shown to pupils who were ordered to stay away from school for an average of 3.5 days — down from 2,170 in 2008/09.

Oldham Councillor Hugh McDonald, cabinet member for children and young people said: “These are very encouraging results.

“It shows that the council and schools are working well together in ensuring high standards of behaviour and discipline.

“Disruption in school does not just affect the individual but everyone in the class suffers.

“Any work that can be done to prevent disruption is of benefit to all and should be applauded.

“Working in partnership with the Police, Positive Steps Oldham and the Pupil Referral Unit means that all pupils are given the best possible support during these critical years that can shape their whole life.”

In a breakdown of the figures, physically assaulting a pupil or teacher accounted for 330 of the incidents warranting suspension, and 282 were for persistent unruly behaviour.

In addition, 11 suspensions were as a result of sexual misconduct, 16 for racist behaviour, 14 for bullying, 35 for drug or alcohol problems and 35 for theft.

Others were for verbal abuse of a pupil or teacher.

According to the DfE 11 youngsters were thrown out of schools across the borough for assault, nine for theft and six for persistent disruptive behaviour.

Nationally, exclusions fell from 6,550 to 5,740 and suspensions from 363,280 to 331,380.