3 days ago
Don't say 'detention'! SNP guidance for violent pupils branded 'green light for anarchy' by experts
SNP schools guidance for dealing with problem pupils makes no reference to 'detention' – after fears were raised that the word is too 'punitive'.
In a move critics say is a 'green light for anarchy', it was also suggested that a 'time-out' for classroom thugs could 'conflict with a child's right to play'.
Traditionally, detentions have been used to remove a disruptive child so that fellow pupils can get on with their work.
But guidance on how to deal with them – published by Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth in June – failed to mention the sanction once.
Now, new meeting minutes show that education groups lobbied for the word not to be used, even suggesting that detentions should be scrapped entirely.
Scotland's schools face a rising tide of violence, with figures last year suggesting one teacher is attacked every four minutes.
And last night critics slammed the SNP's soft touch approach.
Christopher McGovern of the Real Campaign for Education said: 'This is total madness. Most pupils are desperate to see bad behaviour punished.
They know that their education and future depends on peace, order and stability.
'Banning detention is a green light for anarchy, bullying and a breakdown of order.'
Meanwhile, Scottish Tory education spokesman Miles Briggs said: 'It's little wonder the SNP Government can't get a grip on the epidemic of classroom violence when they're stressing over how to sugarcoat a minor sanction.'
A 49-page guide to 'fostering a positive, inclusive and safe school environment' was published by the Scottish Government last month after coming under mounting pressure over anti-social behaviour in schools.
Teachers were told thugs should be given a 'quiet space' to 'self-regulate' their emotions – and only be kicked out of school as a last resort.
One tip for teachers was to give problem pupils a 'laminated set of bullet points, for example, to remind and support them to step away, seek help and follow an agreed and rehearsed process'.
The guidance also warns staff against discipline which makes pupils feel 'shame' and 'alienation'. At no point was detention mentioned.
Minutes from two meetings of the government's Consequences Sub-Group now suggest the sanction of 'detention' was dismissed during the draft stages of the report.
Feedback in February raised concerns that 'detention may conflict with a child's right to play and existing Education Scotland guidance'.
Another session in March saw advisers suggest the Scottish Government 'avoid punitive language like detention'.
A spokeswoman for teachers' union the EIS said: 'We need more than policy documents to make a difference, we need investment and more resources – including more teachers and support staff.'
A Scottish Government spokesman last night insisted that 'a child's right to play does not prevent the use of consequences in relation to behaviour.'
He added: 'This is made clear in the final Scottish Government guidance.
The minutes of the meetings referred to record the wide-ranging comments, reflections and inputs of the sub-group.'
