Commenting after new figures out today
showed school exclusions and suspensions increased year on year
between the 2022 and 2023 spring terms, Paul Whiteman, general
secretary at school leaders' union NAHT, said:
“It is undoubtedly a real cause for concern that suspensions and
exclusions have increased year-on-year and that the number of
suspensions is the highest termly figure on record.
“This is something the government should reflect on. Schools work
incredibly hard to support pupils who are struggling with
behaviour issues, but often the issues underpinning this go way
beyond the school gate.
“Too often schools are left to tackle the problems that lead to
exclusions and suspensions alone, and with scarce resources.
“Inadequate government funding of schools is leading to a
reduction in pastoral care and teaching assistants in schools.
“Early intervention is often crucial - government funding cuts to
services that support schools have made it harder for children
and families to access help from mental health services and
social care amid long waiting lists and higher thresholds. We've
seen local authorities forced to stop providing key services,
such as behaviour support teams.
“Without more government investment in these vital services,
challenges in children's lives will continue to affect their
behaviour, wellbeing and academic achievement.”
