Call for evidence launched on behaviour in schools

The government is asking teachers and school leaders for views on managing good behaviour, including on the use of mobile phones in the school day.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has launched the call for evidence ahead of planned updates to government guidance later this year on behaviour, discipline, suspensions and permanent exclusions. The six-week consultation seeks views on how schools maintain calm classrooms, the use of removal rooms and creating mobile phone-free school days, among other measures.

The move follows the Department for Education’s £10 million behaviour hubs programme which partners heads and leaders from England’s highest performing multi-academy trusts with schools struggling with poor behaviour and discipline.

Williamson said: “No parent wants to send their child to a school where poor behaviour is rife. Every school should be a safe place that allows young people to thrive and teachers to excel. Mobile phones are not just distracting, but when misused or overused, they can have a damaging effect on a pupil’s mental health and well-being. I want to put an end to this, making the school day mobile-free. In order for us to help pupils overcome the challenges from the pandemic and level up opportunity for all young people, we need to ensure they can benefit from calm classrooms which support them to thrive.”