Introduction

The role of the Government is to give schools the powers they need to provide a safe and structured environment in which teachers can teach and children can learn.

The Government expects:

  • all pupils to show respect and courtesy towards teachers and other staff and towards each other
  • parents to encourage their children to show that respect and support the school’s authority to discipline its pupils
  • head teachers to help to create that culture of respect by supporting their staff's authority to discipline pupils and ensuring that this happens consistently across the school
  • governing bodies and head teachers to deal with allegations against teachers and other school staff quickly, fairly and consistently in a way that protects the pupil and at the same time supports the person who is the subject of the allegation
  • that every teacher will be good at managing and improving children’s behaviour.

This advice summarises the legal powers and duties that govern behaviour and attendance in school and explains how they apply to teachers, governing bodies, pupils and parents.