* Peter Peacock, Education Minister, said the Executive was already tackling many of the issues. “We are examining future resources and school staffing and I have made it clear that the pound;34 million funding for additional support staff must reach schools.
“Ambitious, Excellent Schools set out a clear direction towards flexibility and allowing teachers to tailor opportunities to the needs of the individual.” It was time to push the boundaries and prevent disaffection.
Initiatives such as staged intervention were already allowing teachers to confront indiscipline, Mr Peacock said. “However, I would like more teachers to use the experience of a trained behaviour co-ordinator in the school because, as the report highlights, peer learning and support is a powerful tool.”
Ministers will carry out their own survey, taking in pupils’ views, early next year.
