Number of school expulsions dropping

Feb 5 2009 by Shirley Bartynek, Hamilton Advertiser

THE number of pupils being expelled from schools in North Lanarkshire has dropped.

Exclusions in schools in the area have decreased by 22 per cent between 2006/07 and 2007/08.

The figures, which are at their lowest in seven years, have gone from 3892 to 3031.

Alex Neil, SNP MSP for Central Scotland this week welcomed what he says is a “significant reduction.”

He said: “This is great news for schools in North Lanarkshire and shows the excellent progress being made by the Scottish Government in improving behaviour and relationships, especially of those pupils at risk of becoming disengaged and excluded.

“This marked decrease in exclusions – across North Lanarkshire, and Scotland generally – is a clear indication that the range of approaches and provisions available within and beyond school are working and ensures that exclusion remains a last-resort for head teachers. The likes of nurture groups, pupil support bases, college and vocational placements, and personal and social development programmes are having a real impact.”

The main reasons for exclusion are persistent disobedience (33 per cent), verbal abuse against staff (26 per cent) and insolent or offensive behaviour (17per cent).

Boys continue to account for most exclusions, around 80 per cent, while the vast majority of exclusions – over 99 per cent – are temporary, with an average length of three days.