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Original poster

Zero Tolerance, No Excuses...what should happen to pupils who can’t behave?

207 replies

noblegiraffe · 17/03/2018 13:09

There are an increasing number of schools across the country adopting ‘No Excuses’ behaviour policies where the slightest misdemeanour is cracked down on and punished. Children are removed from the classroom and isolated if they break the rules. The level of expulsions is creeping up.

A tribunal has just criticised a school for putting its zero tolerance behaviour policy above the education of a child with special needs.
The student has ADHD and epilepsy, the behaviour policy was applied rigidly and the school now has to issue a letter of apology to the student for its failure to make reasonable adjustments.

www.tes.com/news/school-news/breaking-news/academy-put-zero-tolerance-policy-above-pupils-education-tribunal

Do you think that schools should be allowed to have zero tolerance?

OP posts:
TalkinPeace · 17/03/2018 14:12

No, absolutely not.
If they can be integrated into the classroom with appropriate support, that is the best use of taxpayers money.

Excluding difficult kids is a sign of poor management

Original poster
noblegiraffe · 17/03/2018 14:10

But Talkin I’ve taught students with ADHD who don’t need to be in an SEN unit, they just need to be cut a bit of slack in the classroom. Should they be forced out of mainstream just because they can’t adhere to rigid expectations of perfect behaviour?

OP posts:
BossWitch · 17/03/2018 14:06

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TheFrendo · 17/03/2018 14:05

A school round here used that policy to deliberately exclude SEN children. There is a need for some latitude and flexibility in dealing with behaviour.

TalkinPeace · 17/03/2018 14:03

If there are learning difficulties then it should be dealt with in house.
Or in a dedicated SEN unit within the school
Or in an SEN unit within the LEA
But as we know, funding is the biggest issue for all schools.
Did you see this report?
jamescowperkreston.co.uk/downloads/academies-benchmark-report-2018.pdf

Original poster
noblegiraffe · 17/03/2018 14:01

But if the problem is ADHD then it’s not solvable?

OP posts:
TalkinPeace · 17/03/2018 13:51

Only if there is a PRU with the capacity to take them for a few weeks to get to the bottom of the problem.

When PRUs are used well they have excellent results.

If there is no PRU provision then the school should sort it in house.

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