News

New report from Estyn - Strong leadership and consistent practice key to drive positive behaviour in Welsh schools

Estyn’s report into behaviour in secondary schools has made headlines across Wales today. The report highlights the significant challenges facing schools as well as some effective practices. Click here to read the report.

Governors play a vital role in helping schools tackle issues around behaviour. It’s imperative that governors ensure schools have robust behaviour policies that clearly set out roles and responsibilities, and that they regularly review and evaluate those policies to ensure they remain fit for purpose.

Governors Cymru Services commented:

“We welcome the report and recommendations from Estyn that highlight the challenges secondary schools are facing, as well as effective practices.

“There are increasing concerns regarding behaviour in schools across Wales, and this picture is also replicated in primary schools. There are lots of factors that contribute to poor behaviour, and there is no quick fix. The need for consistent policies and processes around behaviour management is so important, as the report rightly emphasises.

“The report acknowledges the role governors play in helping schools tackle issues around behaviour. If poor behaviour results in an exclusion, governing bodies are required to review if the headteacher has taken the right approach. This is not an easy task as there can be significant complexities involved. That’s why it’s imperative that governors ensure their schools have robust behaviour policies that clearly set out roles and responsibilities, and that they regularly review and evaluate those policies to ensure they remain fit for purpose. School staff also need to receive the right support and high-quality training.

“The Welsh Government’s National Behaviour Summit, which takes place later this month, will include dialogue with relevant stakeholders from across Wales. This is very much welcomed and will certainly help in highlighting the concerns about learner behaviour and how the Welsh Government and Local Authorities can support schools even more.

“The report also spotlights effective practices in tackling poor behaviour, including engaging positively and proactively with families. It is really positive to see schools where staff are receiving a variety of training approaches to managing pupil behaviour and that school policies are being consistently applied and how this makes a difference to school life.”