DfEE Circular 10/1999 Social Exclusion: Pupil Support
Multi-agency working
DfEE Circular 10/1999 explains the law and good practice on pupil behaviour and discipline; reducing the risk of disaffection; school attendance and registration; detention; proper use of exclusion: and re-integration of excluded pupils. The emphasis is on early intervention and prevention through multi-agency working, and through partnership with parents.
The guidance, issued jointly with the Social Exclusion Unit, Department of Health and Home Office, brings together for the first time advice on pupil behaviour and discipline, improving attendance, the use of exclusion and re-integration. It includes practical advice, case studies and evidence on how to reduce the risk of disaffection in the classroom and how to cope with problems which may arise. It is relevant to primary and middle as well as secondary schools. It supports teachers and head teachers in making their own judgements about how best to respond to the challenges they face in particular circumstances.
Multi-agency working
Schools are entitled to a range of support from other partners to achieve their goals. The emphasis of this guidance is very much on early intervention and prevention through multi-agency working, and through partnership with parents. One innovative and practical strategy it sets out is the Pastoral Support Programme: a mechanism to focus a school, together with the support of other agencies, on early intervention with those pupils who are at serious risk of permanent exclusion or criminal activity.
Making a difference
Even in the most difficult areas, schools can and do make a difference to the behaviour and attitudes of their pupils, especially when they are effectively supported by other agencies. Good teaching, sound behaviour management, effective anti-bullying policies, clear rewards, consistently applied sanctions and imaginative use of the curriculum all make a difference, and reinforce the message that all young people can achieve their full potential.
Getting a copy
Circular 10/1999 Social Exclusion: Pupil Support is available from the DfEE website
Last update: 15/09/03