Written question asked by Lord Steinberg (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Morgan of Drefelin (Labour) on Tuesday, 20 January 2009.

Schools: Disruptive Children

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to address disruptive and violent behaviour in schools.

Answer: The overwhelming majority of schools are orderly places. The Government recognise that a small minority of pupils present challenging behaviour problems and back head teachers' authority to intervene to tackle bad behaviour and to prevent problems from spiralling out of control. We have significantly strengthened schools' powers to discipline by introducing a range of legislation to protect schools from challenges to their disciplinary authority and to reinforce parental responsibility. New measures in the fourth Session Children, Skills and Learning Bill include extending the existing power to search pupils for weapons to also include alcohol, illegal drugs and stolen property. In addition to new legal powers, we have also provided schools with high-quality training, materials and consultancy support to enable them to promote positive behaviour. We are also helping them to form partnerships with other schools, police and other agencies to strengthen behaviour management.

Secondary information