Singleton report calls for extension of smacking ban

Current legislation prevents teachers in schools from using any form of physical punishment. But those who tutor outside of school, in part-time educational settings and evening and weekend faith schools, are not covered by the existing ban.

Sir Roger Singleton's report, Physical punishment: improving consistency and protection, proposes that physical punishment of children should be banned in all forms of tuition, care and supervision outside of the family.

It recommends that government should promote positive parenting strategies and effective behaviour management techniques to help eliminate the use of smacking. It also suggests that informal education and learning organisations should develop of appropriate safeguarding policies.

Children's Secretary Ed Balls said Singleton's report advocates a sensible and proportionate approach to the issue.

"The government does not condone smacking, nor do we want to criminalise parents who choose to discipline their children with a mild smack. We know that the majority of parents agree with this view," he said.

"I am glad that Sir Roger's recommendations back the government's drive to promote positive parenting techniques, giving mums and dads better alternatives to smacking."