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NEWS


Behaviour call to MPs

Greater support and more consultation with teachers is necessary if the issue of pupil behaviour and discipline is to be effectively tackled, the NASUWT has told MPs.

Dr Patrick Roach, NASUWT Deputy General Secretary, was among teaching union representatives invited to give evidence to the Education Select Committee inquiry into behaviour and discipline in schools.

While Dr Roach was keen to point out to the Committee that the majority of schools continue to be relative havens of peace and security, he argued that there is a general perception that pupil behaviour is becoming more challenging, with greater numbers of students having complex behavioural needs. Low level disruption is also an ongoing problem, he stated.

To deal with this, it is vital that all schools not only have a behaviour management policy, but that it is enforced by school management and is effective in protecting the health and safety of teachers and other pupils, Dr Roach argued.

Teachers are not always consulted on behaviour policies, he added, stating that parents and guardians need to be given greater support to play their role in fostering positive attitudes to education among children.

Dr Roach cited the Union’s ‘Sink or Swim’ research into the experiences and attitudes of newly qualified teachers, which found a general lack of constructive guidance and support from school leaders in managing pupil behaviour. School leaders need to act as lead practitioners, Dr Roach suggested, and have an active teaching role to allow them to keep in touch with the challenges and realities of the classroom.

Despite the introduction of enhanced disciplinary powers for schools by the Labour Government, many teachers were unaware of these extended rights and too many headteachers were choosing not to invoke them, Dr Roach said.

It is important to unpick why headteachers are not using powers granted to them, he added. The increased sense of competition may dissuade schools, Dr Roach suggested, as weapon searches might put off potential parents.

Governing bodies need to take the lead in reinforcing discipline in schools and providing the necessary support to headteachers and teachers to enforce it, Dr Roach concluded.

The NASUWT has produced a wealth of resources, publications and guidance to support teachers and headteachers in dealing with pupil behaviour, including the creation of a behaviour management pack.

The Sink or Swim research can be found at www.nasuwt.org.uk/sinkorswim.


Fostering ambition

Teachers are being sought to support young people considering university.

The Educational charity EDT is running a programme of Headstart summer schools at universities around the UK next summer to offer young people taster programmes in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

The courses offer Year 12 pupils the opportunity to sample university life and degree-level study before they make their higher education decisions.

Headstart is seeking supervisors to liaise with university staff, look after student welfare and discipline and generally help the smooth operation of each Headstart course.

As the courses are residential, supervisors are required to stay overnight in university accommodation for the four- or five-night duration of each course. The role is paid at a modest day rate plus travel expenses.

The role would be suitable for a STEM teachers or a recently retired teacher. Headstart would especially welcome more female supervisors. Training is provided prior to the commencement of the post.

If you would be interested in becoming a supervisor then please contact Estelle Rowe at Headstart on 0121 414 7933 or email e.rowe@etrust.org.uk with a brief outline of your background and the reason for your interest as soon as possible.

For more information, go to www.headstartcourses.org.uk.


DIARY DATES

The NASUWT’s highly popular and successful programme of Conferences enables teachers to engage with the key issues and challenges in education, share experiences, meet other members and shape the future of the Union.

YOUNG TEACHERS’ CONSULTATION CONFERENCE

Saturday 22 January 2011, Hilton Metropole, Birmingham Taking Control – sessions will include taking control of your finances, career and work/life balance. The event is open to teachers aged 30 and under.

LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANS (LGBT) TEACHERS’ CONSULTATION CONFERENCE

Saturday 26 February 2011, Jury’s Inn, Birmingham Teaching with Pride discussions will include tackling homophobia in the classroom, an update on equalities legislation and career progression.

DISABLED TEACHERS’ CONSULTATION CONFERENCE

Saturday 11 June 2011, Holiday Inn, Bromsgrove Title and topics to be confirmed.

The events are all FREE to NASUWT members. Overnight accommodation, travel, subsistence and childcare expenses provided.

Contact the Conferences and Events Team on 0121 453 6150, email conferencesandevents@mail.nasuwt.org.uk or book online at: www.nasuwt.org.uk/Events.

JOIN NOWand attend the conferences and seminars Quick and easy, no hassle. Tel: 0121 457 6211 or online: www.nasuwt.org.uk.