Lack of cash means 'sin bin' plan for pupils is just academic

Published on Sunday 6 September 2009 22:12

PLANS to introduce "sin bins" for pupils repeatedly excluded from school are "academic" given current underfunding of education, warn critics.

Conservative politicians are this week due to call on the Scottish Government to invest in so-called "second chance" centres.

Ken Cunningham, general secretary of School Leaders Scotland, which represents secondary heads backed the idea.

He said it would work if the disaffected youngsters were given a chance to rehabilitate and become productive members of society again.

However, he warned: "This would be very costly. It may be you spend money to save money because if these pupils are not brought back into the mainstream they could end up being a financial burden on society."

Ann Ballinger, general secretary of the Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association, agreed. She said: "If what they are talking about are basically sin bins, then who is going to man them?"

She described the idea as "wonderful" if it meant troubled pupils getting one-on-one support in small groups but she asked where the funding would come from.

A poll carried out by the Conservatives found 70 per cent of Scots backed the idea.

However, the party admits the plan would be too expensive to set up nationally, suggesting a pilot scheme first.

Liz Smith, Conservative schools spokeswoman said:

"This is for children who have got serious disciplinary problems and who are hauled back into the classroom before they have realised that their behaviour is unacceptable."

A Scottish Government spokesman said alternatives to mainstream school for such youngsters already existed.

He said: "Local authorities, voluntary organisations and the independent sector all offer alternatives for pupils"