A NEW report looking at why school exclusions in the West Midlands are rising has found that a lack of resources could be preventing teachers from addressing disruptive behaviour.
The report, commissioned by the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner’s Violence Reduction Unit, also found that highly controlled learning environments in schools did not support disadvantaged children whose home life can be unpredictable.
It concluded that ‘schools did not necessarily have the resources to address the root causes of disruptive behaviour’.
The region’s PCC, David Jamieson, has repeatedly said there is a correlation between being excluded from school and becoming involved in criminality.
Over the past few years the number of young people excluded from schools in the West Midlands has jumped by nearly a third.
In the academic year 2018/19 647 young people in the West Midlands were permanently excluded from school. This is up from 440 in 2009/10.
The PCC believes the vast majority of schools are doing excellent work, but that this report highlights the need for more funding from government so all pupils get the support they require.
The report also found that whilst school staff were keen to promote wider life skills, school systems were driven to prioritise success around academic achievement.
The Violence Reduction Unit hopes the report will help partners in education make changes to ensure pupils get the support they need to stay in mainstream school where possible.
Mr Jamieson, said: “As a former head teacher of an inner city secondary school I understand the challenges that schools face every day.
“That is why I am committed to working in partnership with schools, local authorities and the government to do everything we can to give children the best possible start in life.
“We have seen a significant rise in violence across the West Midlands and across the country.
Tackling the issue of school exclusions will help us build a better future for our young people by ensuring schools remain a place of safety and support.”
The report can be read here: shorturl.at/hwEPX.
