By Anika Bourley Parliamentary Correspondent

Last updated at 10:02, Saturday, 31 July 2010

The number of pupils across Cumbria being expelled from school has fallen while the number being shown a yellow card has increased.

Duncan Fairbairn: ‘We should be very proud of yet another set of outstanding results’

Figures released from the Department for Education show 13 pupils were expelled in 2008/09, down from 40 the previous year.

The number of suspensions – where pupils are excluded for a fixed period – increased from 3,310 to 3,490. The figures cover all schools across the county, including academies and special schools.

A breakdown reveals 868 of the total 3,490 suspensions were handed out for verbal or threatening behaviour on an adult, and a further 550 for pupil on pupil assaults. Fifty were for bullying and 24 for racist abuse. More than 1,000 suspensions were handed out for persistent disruptive behaviour.

Of the schools run by the county council there was a fall in both exclusions and suspensions. The number of pupils in primary school suspended fell from 250 to 202, and from 3,050 to 2,598 in secondary.

Duncan Fairbairn, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet member responsible for schools and learning, said: “Cumbria is continuing to perform well in this area. The impressive results are thanks to an innovative and effective approach involving good working arrangements between schools and the work of our reintegration officers and others.

“Our schools work together in their ‘behaviour partnership’ consortia to address the issue and take a proactive approach to behavioural problems before they get out of hand.

“An ounce of prevention is often worth a pound of cure, and that’s often the case in behavioural management.”

Across England the number of times primary school pupils were suspended in 2008/09 fell to 39,510 from 43,290 in 2007/08, while in secondary schools there were 307,840 suspensions, compared with 324,180 in 2007/08.

Schools Minister Nick Gibb said: “Despite the fall in exclusions, poor behaviour remains a significant problem in our schools. Tackling poor behaviour and raising academic standards are key priorities for the Coalition Government.

“We trust teachers and that’s why we have already announced a series of measures to put head teachers and teachers back in control of the classroom – including ending the rule requiring schools to give 24 hours written notice for detentions and increased search powers. We will introduce further measures to strengthen teacher authority and support schools in maintaining good behaviour.”

First published at 09:02, Saturday, 31 July 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk