Tories demand tough policy in school
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.ESTELLE MORRIS, the Education minister, was accused of hypocrisy and ignorance yesterday by suggesting that pupils found with drugs at school should not automatically be expelled.
Head teachers, some teachers unions and the Tories all attacked her for diluting the anti-drug message to children.
Ms Morris told a conference on Monday that pupils who sold drugs at school should be expelled but drug education within the school should be an option for those "simply found with cannabis in their pockets".
John Dunford, the general secretary of the Secondary Heads' Association, said exclusion was a vital weapon in maintaining discipline. "There is enormous pressure from governors and parents to make schools a drug-free zone, and he Government should support schools doing that," he said.
David Willetts, the shadow Secretary of State for Education, accused Ms Morris of "undercutting the position" of head teachers. He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "If a head wants ... zero tolerance at his or her school they should be free to do so." But Ms Morris responded by quoting the Tories' own guidance to schools - which echoes her comments. That guidance, due to be updated by the Government this week, said: "The fact that certain behaviour could constitute a violation of the criminal law should not ... automatically lead to exclusion."
Ms Morris said: "Tory ministers made clear that they did not expect permanent exclusions in all cases and suggested that schools should have a repertoire of responses."
The Government was committed to tackling the menace of drugs in schools, which was why it was investing pounds 22.5m in drugs education over the next three years, she said.
John Findlay, the Unison national officer representing educational social workers, backed Ms Morris. "It is too simplistic just to say that the kids should be excluded, that the problem should be put back on to the streets ... We need to keep these kids included in the system so that this issue can be dealt with properly."
Gill Astarita, of the drugs charity Addaction, said schools should offer a more positive response than simply washing their hands of each case.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments