School police officers credited with drop in exclusion figures

Published on Friday 8 May 2009 10:09

POSTING police officers in schools and giving more help to troublesome pupils is being credited for a big drop in the number of children excluded in Edinburgh.

New figures show the number of pupils excluded has dropped by more than a fifth over the current term, from 1,235 to 980.

The biggest fall came in primary schools where nearly 25 per cent fewer pupils have been excluded.

An early intervention policy to work with pupils whose behaviour means they are likely to face being kicked out of school, and the presence of police in six of the city's high schools are both being hailed for the drop.

The city's standing across Scotland has improved with Edinburgh's current rate of 43 exclusions per 1,000 pupils, below the national average of 57 and more than half the rate in other cities such as Glasgow and Dundee.

City leaders today welcomed the fall in exclusions.

City education leader Councillor Marilyne MacLaren said: "The best place for a child to be is at school – that is where they will learn and develop as young people.

"I do not want to see Edinburgh children wandering the streets, wasting their time, and getting into trouble during school hours.

"Reducing exclusions is therefore a key priority and that is why over the past year, a number of strategies have been put in place to tackle the issue."

She added: "I am therefore delighted this effort is bearing fruit.

"The fall in school exclusions has been due to the hard work and determination of all teaching staff and education officials."

Although the overwhelming majority of exclusions were temporary, 150 youngsters have been expelled permanently over the last three years.

These pupils were transferred to another school, left school altogether, or educated at home.

Council reports released to the Evening News last year revealed that substance misuse, threatening sexual violence, being physically and verbally abusive to staff and fellow pupils were among the reasons for pupils' exclusions.

Gillian Tee, director of the council's children and families department, added: "This progress in reducing exclusions reflects significant commitment from head teachers, teachers and support services to meet the needs of all their children, including those with additional support needs."