Ofsted report finds improvement in behaviour in secondary schools

The National Indicator report, which was published this week by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF), reveals how schools were rated on their behaviour at December 2009.
 
A total of 78.6 per cent of schools were rated "good" or "outstanding", an improvement of more than four per cent on 2006 figures.
 
National Union of Teachers head of education John Banks said: "The figures are very much in line with our own studies. The majority of schools have seen a reduction in bad behaviour."
 
The figures also revealed some regional variations, with a minority of schools seeing a worsening in bad behaviour, said Banks. While the South West received 85 per cent "good" or "outstanding" rates, Yorkshire and Humber had only 67 per cent, a drop of nearly 20 per cent.
 
The figures also reported that no schools in outer London were rated inadequate, but in inner London, two per cent of schools were.
 
"Anyone that argues that behaviour overall has worsened is wrong; there has been an improvement. But we now need to focus resources on schools that find themselves in the most challenging environments," Banks concluded.
 
The framework of Ofsted inspections changed in September 2009. Schools that are judged to be good or outstanding will now be reviewed every five years instead of every three. Schools labelled inadequate will continue to receive regular visits under the new framework.