NDM8881 - Opposition Debate
Tabled on 23/04/2025 | For debate on 30/04/2025To propose that the Senedd:
1. Notes the increasing lack of discipline in Welsh schools and the detrimental impact this has on the learning environment, with the Welsh Government’s own data showing the number of secondary school pupils who received fixed term exclusions tripling from 2015-16 to 2022-23.
2. Regrets that physical assaults on teachers and knife attacks in Welsh schools are at their highest ever levels.
3. Recognises there has been a breakdown in the relationship between parents and teachers since the Covid-19 pandemic.
4. Calls on the Welsh Government to:
a) implement a robust strategy to improve discipline and behaviour management in schools; and
b) ensure exclusion from schools and pupil referral units guidance, issued by the Welsh Government, is updated to ensure those carrying a weapon are excluded.
Tabled By
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To propose that the Senedd:
1. Notes the increase in challenging behaviour by learners in schools in Wales and the detrimental impact this has on the learning environment, with the Welsh Government’s own data showing the number of secondary school pupils who received fixed term exclusions tripling from 2015-16 to 2022-23.
2. Regrets that physical assaults on teachers and knife attacks in schools in Wales are at their highest levels ever.
3. Recognises the need to forge better relationships between parents and schools to improve the behaviour and attendance of pupils.
4. Recognises the significant impact of social media on student behaviour, including the exacerbation of bullying, misogyny, and racism.
5. Calls on the Welsh Government to:
a) implement a robust strategy to improve discipline, behaviour management and violence prevention within schools;
b) develop policies for managing the negative influence of social media and addressing disruptive online behaviour;
c) adequately resource Pupil Referral Units with necessary staff, facilities, and support services for vulnerable students, enabling them to reintegrate into mainstream education; and
d) ensure that all schools are equipped to effectively manage disruptive behaviour and ensure the safety and well-being of both staff and students by considering additional funding for recruiting behaviour support officers, mental health professionals, and improving school security measures.
Tabled By
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To propose that the Senedd:
1. Regrets the increasing challenge posed by learner behaviour in schools, as reflected in data published by the Welsh Government and by trade unions.
2. Notes that any form of violence or abuse in schools is completely unacceptable, and that possession of a weapon is already grounds for exclusion.
3. Believes that schools alone cannot solve the range of challenges faced by children, young people and families since the Covid-19 pandemic.
4. Calls on the Welsh Government to:
a) continue to identify actions to address these issues through its ongoing programme of work on behaviour, including the behaviour survey, the behaviour summit and the violence in schools roundtable; and
b) continue to work with partners including schools, local authorities, trade unions and parents, to make progress on these issues urgently.
