Rennie responds to school violence announcement

Responding to the Education Secretary’s interview with the The Sunday Times in which Jenny Gilruth promises new guidance on the exclusion of pupils, Scottish Liberal Democrat education spokesperson Willie Rennie MSP said:

“No-one should be in favour of widespread exclusions but headteachers should know that they have the power to exclude when they feel it is in the best interests of everyone. Headteachers and teachers have felt for too long that if they exclude they have failed and education bosses will judge them rather than back them. So this is an important first step by the Education Secretary but there is much more to be done.  Further steps should include clear guidance on boundaries and consequences so young people know what is expected of them.

“Schools should be a safe space to learn but for too many staff and pupils it is a place to fear.

“Successive SNP education secretaries have failed to give schools the resources they need to respond effectively.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats would deliver more specialist provision such as classroom assistants, educational psychologists and specialist teachers. On top of that, we would cut the waits for child and adolescent mental health services so that pupils get help when they need it.”