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Writer's pictureAlex Hughes

Phasing Out Cruel Behaviour Rules in English Schools - A Necessary Shift



The recent announcement by Labour to phase out "cruel" behaviour rules in English schools is a bold move and, frankly, a necessary one. For too long, we've relied on measures that don’t address the real issues young people face. It’s time for a change.


Traditional behaviour rules often focus on punishment rather than understanding the root causes of misbehaviour. This approach can alienate and demotivate students, pushing them further away from education. With over 7,900 permanent exclusions in a single academic year, it’s clear that the current system is failing many young people. These exclusions are usually for persistent disruptive behaviour, showing a need for a more compassionate approach to discipline.


Labour’s plan aims to create a more supportive environment in schools, moving away from punitive approaches to more empathetic and constructive methods. This shift is long overdue. We need to focus on helping students understand their behaviour, develop coping strategies, and feel supported rather than punished.


The statistics don’t lie. The number of NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) young people is troubling. There are 900,000 16 - 24 year olds that are NEET in the UK right now. Harsh disciplinary measures contribute to this issue, but they’re not the only problem. Even those who succeed academically often find themselves unprepared for the real world. Our education system needs to acknowledge that society must do more to equip all young people with the skills they need for life beyond school. I am not saying it is the education system's sole responsibility, I think that is half the issue.


Inspire 2 Ignite CIC engages with thousands of young people in or nearing the end of their academic education, plus hundreds of business and education leaders. I think far too many of our leaders see skills as a service in the UK and the solution here is found in a collective community response to the issues.


It's not just about getting good grades. Young people need life skills, resilience, and practical knowledge to navigate the complexities of adult life. The current education system, with its heavy focus on academic achievement, often neglects these crucial areas. We need to ensure that all students, regardless of their academic performance, are prepared for the challenges they will face after school.


So, I welcome Labour’s initiative to phase out cruel behaviour rules being a step in the right direction. Intentions are important, but when they do their wider stakeholder engagement, I hope they involve all stakeholders in the solution-finding process. For me, it’s about creating an environment where students are supported and understood, not just disciplined. While this approach may work for many, we must also recognise that even those who thrive academically are often left unprepared for the real world. Our communities need a big wake-up call to ensure all young people are ready for life beyond the classroom, we all have to take responsibility for that outcome.


I made this argument at a recent education citizen gathering in my town, it is I think unreasonable to expect any single organisation to guarantee a great outcome when it has over a thousand students to support, I don't think is unreasonable for the place we live in to make that guarantee though and that is where alternative provision and independent social enterprises can layer into the solution to pick up the baton for those who are currently being let down by their learning environment.


It's time we rethought how we support and prepare our youth, creating a more inclusive and effective educational system for everyone.


I would love to hear your ideas either as a citizen, parent, young person, educator or however you identify with this challenge, it is a community issue that we should all have a voice in finding a way forward.

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