This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/7850842.stm

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Drop in school pupil exclusions Drop in school pupil exclusions
(20 minutes later)
The number of pupils who have been excluded from Scottish schools has dropped by 11% in the past year, according to official statistics.The number of pupils who have been excluded from Scottish schools has dropped by 11% in the past year, according to official statistics.
Schools Minister Maureen Watt said the figures proved efforts to improve discipline were working.Schools Minister Maureen Watt said the figures proved efforts to improve discipline were working.
There had been increases in exclusions in each of the past four years.There had been increases in exclusions in each of the past four years.
The main reasons for exclusion are persistent disobedience, verbal abuse against staff and insolent or offensive behaviour.The main reasons for exclusion are persistent disobedience, verbal abuse against staff and insolent or offensive behaviour.
Boys continue to account for most exclusions, at about 80%, while the vast majority - more than 99% - are temporary, with an average length of three days.Boys continue to account for most exclusions, at about 80%, while the vast majority - more than 99% - are temporary, with an average length of three days.
For situations that cannot be resolved without exclusion, this remains a serious and last resort measure for headteachers to take Maureen WattSchools ministerFor situations that cannot be resolved without exclusion, this remains a serious and last resort measure for headteachers to take Maureen WattSchools minister
Ms Watt said she was "delighted" that exclusions had fallen, which she said reflected the work being done by schools and local authorities to improve behaviour and relationships, especially with regard to pupils at risk of becoming disengaged and excluded.Ms Watt said she was "delighted" that exclusions had fallen, which she said reflected the work being done by schools and local authorities to improve behaviour and relationships, especially with regard to pupils at risk of becoming disengaged and excluded.
She added: "Schools and local authorities are using a wide range of provisions to reduce exclusions, with a focus on intervening early to stop problem situations before they develop into serious issues.She added: "Schools and local authorities are using a wide range of provisions to reduce exclusions, with a focus on intervening early to stop problem situations before they develop into serious issues.
"Outwith the classroom further measures are in place to help manage the behaviour of young people."Outwith the classroom further measures are in place to help manage the behaviour of young people.
"These include nurture groups, pupil support bases, college and vocational placements, and personal and social development programmes.""These include nurture groups, pupil support bases, college and vocational placements, and personal and social development programmes."
Ms Watt was speaking during a visit to Inshes Primary in Inverness, which she said had applied a "solution-oriented approach" which had resulted in none of its pupils being excluded.Ms Watt was speaking during a visit to Inshes Primary in Inverness, which she said had applied a "solution-oriented approach" which had resulted in none of its pupils being excluded.
"Quite rightly, it is for education authorities and individual schools to decide which provision to use to address the specific needs of pupils."Quite rightly, it is for education authorities and individual schools to decide which provision to use to address the specific needs of pupils.
"For situations that cannot be resolved without exclusion, this remains a serious and last resort measure for headteachers to take," she said."For situations that cannot be resolved without exclusion, this remains a serious and last resort measure for headteachers to take," she said.
"However, the significant drop in exclusions is a clear indication that the range of approaches and provision available within and beyond school is working."However, the significant drop in exclusions is a clear indication that the range of approaches and provision available within and beyond school is working.
"I would encourage all schools to consider how they can do even more to meet the needs of pupils and to make sure all our young people are fully included, engaged and involved in school.""I would encourage all schools to consider how they can do even more to meet the needs of pupils and to make sure all our young people are fully included, engaged and involved in school."
Tory children, schools and skills spokeswoman Liz Smith MSP there was concern among teachers' leaders that the statistics do not give the full story because some of the definitions of "exclusion" and "absence" are not sufficiently clear.
She added: "Whilst I warmly welcome the overall drop in the numbers of pupils excluded during the past school session, I remain deeply concerned about the large numbers of pupils who are being excluded - often several times - because of very seriously aggressive and threatening behaviour.
"This is rightly a major concern to parents and teachers and it needs to be dealt with as a matter of urgency as does the issue of what happens to these pupils on the days when they are excluded from school."