Why school exclusion rates in South Tyneside have dropped dramatically in the last 10 years

According to new figures, exclusion rates in South Tyneside fell by almost 60% over the last 10 years, seeing the biggest rate of improvement out of all local authorities across the UK.

Last year 604 children were excluded from schools in the borough, a significant reduction from 2008-2009 when there were a total of 1,493 exclusions.

Council chiefs have put the decrease down to the introduction of the Behaviour and Attendance Partnership, which came into effect in 2009.

The initiative has seen consistent improvement of behaviour in schools and a reduction in the number of children facing exclusion in South Tyneside.

Councillor Moira Smith, Lead member for Children, Young people and Families, welcomed the new figures and said it is ‘fantastic’ that South Thynesideis leading the way.

She said: "It is fantastic to see that South Tyneside is leading the way in reducing the number of school exclusions.

"This is due, in part, to the establishment of the Behaviour and Attendance Partnership. Since this was introduced in 2009 we have seen a significant reduction in exclusions and it is pleasing to see this trend continuing.”

The most common reason for a child being excluded was persistent disruptive behaviour, with 125,147 incidents in the UK last year, followed by physical assaults against a pupil and verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against an adult.

Coun Smith has reassured parents that the local authority will not allow schools to become complacent in the wake of these latest figures, she continued: “While we will not tolerate disruptive behaviour in the classroom, we are committed to working with our schools to share good practice and effective strategies for reducing exclusions and we also help young people learn to behave well so they can maximise their potential.

"We are not complacent and will continue to work to reduce the number of exclusions still further as part of our mission to give every child and young person the best start in life."