Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to reduce disruptive behaviour in the classroom.

All schools are required by the law to develop and publish a behaviour policy. The Department for Education produces guidance for head teachers and school staff on developing school behaviour policy and explains the powers members of staff have to maintain discipline in the classroom. The full guidance can be viewed at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/488034/Behaviour_and_Discipline_in_Schools_-_A_guide_for_headteachers_and_School_Staff.pdf.

In 2016, the Government commissioned behaviour expert Tom Bennett to conduct an independent review on behaviour management in schools. His report ‘Creating a culture’, published in 2017, focused on leadership, culture and systems used to tackle disruptive pupil behaviour, and provides practical advice for head teachers about creating a school culture that prevents low level disruption, maintains good discipline and promotes pupils’ education, focus and wellbeing. The full report can be viewed at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/602487/Tom_Bennett_Independent_Review_of_Behaviour_in_Schools.pdf.

Building on this review the Department announced a £10 million investment to support schools and teachers to share best practice and knowledge on behaviour management and classroom management. As part of this Tom Bennett, has been appointed our lead Behaviour Adviser, supporting the Department to set up and run these new behaviour support networks.

Most recently, as part of our response to the Timpson review of school exclusion, published on 7 May 2019, the Department committed to revising guidance which offers clearer, more consistent guidance on managing behaviour, the use of in-school units and the sorts of circumstances where it may appropriate to use exclusion. A copy of the review and the Government response can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/school-exclusions-review-call-for-evidence.