Written question WQ95068

I recognise the impact poor behaviour is having on teaching staff and I have proactively discussed the issue with both headteachers and trade unions earlier this month.

Any form of violence, abuse or negative behaviour against staff or pupils in our schools is completely unacceptable. All educational settings in Wales have a legal duty to provide a safe learning environment and all schools are required to have a robust behaviour policy in place, which promotes good learner behaviour. They are also expected to take appropriate action when faced with poor behaviour.

Headteachers can take action to exclude pupils where their behaviour seriously breaches school behavioural policies and if allowing the learner to remain in school, would seriously harm the education or welfare of the learner or others in the school.

I will continue to discuss the issues with partners, including schools, local authorities and trade unions, and I await the outcome of Estyn’s

thematic review of behaviour in secondary schools, and the research being undertaken by Bangor University, both of which are due to report next year.