Classroom Behaviour At Centre Of Education Plans For England

Ministers are to launch a new national behaviour survey as part of plans to improve standards and lift attainment in schools in England.

- Sally Weale Education correspondent

It is one of a package of measures outlined in a schools white paper published yesterday, which also includes ambitious attainment targets for all primary and secondary pupils across the country.

The government says good behaviour is key to enabling effective learning, and is consulting on new guidance for behaviour in schools, including the use of suspensions and permanent exclusions.

The white paper, the first for six years, also announced plans to ensure that all schools in England offer a minimum school week of 32.5 hours, as well as an ambition for all schools to join academy trusts by 2030, with new powers for councils to establish their own academy trusts.

Launching the white paper, the education secretary, Nadhim Zahawi, promised to “spread brilliance” across the country, giving every single child “an outstanding education”. “I don’t believe that kids in Knowlsey are less talented than kids in Kensing ton. They just haven’t had the same opportunity, that’s the difference – and I’m determined to make a difference to change that,” he said.