Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the powers available to teachers to maintain discipline in classrooms.

The Government has clarified and strengthened powers to enable teachers to maintain discipline in the classroom, making clear that teachers can use reasonable force in certain defined circumstances, extending their searching powers and allowing teachers to impose same-day detentions.

To help develop effective strategies the Department has produced advice for schools which covers what should be included in the behaviour policy. In addition, Tom Bennett’s ‘Creating a culture’ report, published in March 2017, provides practical advice for head teachers about creating a school culture that prevents classroom disruption, maintains good discipline and promotes pupils’ education, focus and wellbeing.

The Teacher Voice survey found that the majority of teachers (73%) consider pupil behaviour to be good or very good. Latest Ofsted inspection data, published on 22 March 2018, indicates the majority of schools are rated good or outstanding levels on the personal development, behaviour and welfare judgement (83% of primary and 64% of secondary).