WELSH Conservatives are urging the Assembly Government to do more to tackle bad behaviour in our schools, as we reveal the number of Welsh pupils being suspended from school has risen dramatically.
Figures obtained by Clwyd West AM Darren Millar detail the huge growth in the number of pupils being temporarily excluded from school.
The number of children being excluded for 5 days or fewer has risen by 58% between 2001 and 2006.
The number receiving longer temporary expulsions has risen by 245% in the same time.
Darren Millar AM said:
“The growth in the numbers of pupils being suspended from school in Wales is alarming.
“The Welsh Assembly Government needs to get to grips with the growing discipline problem in our schools.
“I am appalled at the huge growth in the number of pupils in North Wales being excluded from school on a permanent and temporary basis.
“The number of suspensions in Conwy and Denbighshire has almost trebled.
“There also needs to be better joint working between agencies. I have recently been made aware of a case in my constituency where the CPS refused to pursue a case against a pupil, who assaulted a teacher in front of a bus full of children.
“This sends the wrong message to pupils and staff.
“Teachers need support and help to protect them from attacks and let them get on with their jobs.”