Behaviour tsar calls for 'internal inclusion units' in schools
Neil Puffett
Friday, March 24, 2017
Government should fund schools to create internal inclusion units to offer targeted early specialist intervention for children with behavioural problems, a government adviser has said.
A report by Tom Bennett, who was appointed in 2015 to advise the government on behaviour in schools said the primary aim of the units should be to aid the reintegration of students back into the mainstream school community.
The report, Creating a Culture: How School Leaders Can Optimise Behaviour, calls for the funding to be focused on schools with higher than average levels of challenging behaviour, and should also be focused on schools that have already demonstrated reasonable efforts to create similar provision using their existing budgets and resources.
Bennett also proposes a revised certification process for all head teachers that includes a requirement to demonstrate an appreciation of how to create a culture of improved behaviour.
He also wants a standardised method for capturing data on school behaviour, which goes beyond present formal recording methods, to be introduced.
Bennett spent several months meeting classroom teachers and leaders from a variety of schools to identify successful strategies used to tackle disruptive behaviour. His report concludes that while there is no "silver bullet", there are a variety of strategies that can be used to tackle poor behaviour.
"How well students behave in school is crucial to how far they succeed, socially and academically," Bennett said.
"There are many tremendous schools doing a superb job, and some schools that could improve a great deal.
"Every school has different circumstances and challenges, but we found that some themes were almost universal: clear routines, robustly administered, high expectations and a focus on building a strong sense of identity and good relationships where children feel they belong, are safe, and are expected to do their best.
"That's why I called it ‘creating a culture'. Because these things don't happen by accident."
"We also need to acknowledge that in some schools, challenges faced are greater than in others, and in these circumstances we need to look at better ways of guaranteeing that provision, skill sets and support are available."
The Department for Education said it will use the findings to inform ongoing work to help and support schools.
Children's minister Edward Timpson said: "Part of our plan for Britain is building a fairer society - with a good school place for every child. That means children being able to learn in classrooms that are free from disruption.
"Tom Bennett's report is relevant, insightful and draws on tried and tested methods that will provide real help to teachers across the country. I would encourage all school leaders to use its practical examples to help create a positive environment that addresses the needs of their pupils."