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Education and Skills Bill

I have some concerns about the amendment. The aim of the provision is, quite simply, to improve the behaviour of disruptive and unruly children. Pupils who misbehave in class, who lack discipline and who are disrespectful to their teachers and to other pupils cause disastrous disruption to the learning of their peers. It is essential that head teachers and the governors of a school are able to instil discipline and enforce their rules. In undertaking this task, I am sure that they provide help, support and guidance. With Amendment No. 228B, the noble Baroness, Lady Walmsley, seeks to insert words which would have no discernable practical effect but would, none the less, water down the intention of the provision. For the sake of morale among teachers and fellow pupils alike we must avoid the temptation to micromanage what head teachers and governing bodies do and allow them to proceed in a way that they think is best in their schools.