John Baron MP: figures show action needed to tackle abuse and violence in Essex schools

MP concerned that 90 children expelled and 5360 suspended in local schools

John Baron MP today expressed concern as official Government figures have revealed that across Essex there were 90 expulsions for assaults and abuse and 5360 suspensions – equivalent to 29 exclusions for each school day, in the last recorded year, which is higher than any other county in Eastern England.

Since 1997, Labour Government rules have deliberately made it more difficult for schools to expel pupils. This undermines the authority of head teachers and means that bullies and disruptive children end up back at the same school as their victims. Labour Ministers have also hindered teachers on ‘human rights’ grounds from searching and confiscating items which might cause violence or disruption in schools.

Conservatives are pledging to give teachers new powers to tackle violence, to introduce home-school contracts to improve behaviour, and to reform the flawed exclusions process which undermines head teachers.

John said:

“Despite the hard work of our teachers, it is clear that we have a serious problem with discipline in our schools. Unless there is good discipline, pupils can’t learn and teachers can’t teach. The children who suffer most are the poorest and the country as a whole loses out when teachers’ authority is undermined.

“A Conservative Government will raise standards in schools, giving teachers in Essex the power to restore discipline. We will encourage responsibility and back those who do the right thing.”