Reforms to alternative learning announced

Released 28/10/2008

Ed Balls announced next stage in bid to help unruly children

The government has announced the latest plans reforming alternative education provision.

The proposals will see permanently excluded children taught in 12 pilot institutions around the country.

These include a centre in Nottingham where children will be able to learn at an equestrian centre and in conjunction with Notts County Football Club.

There is also a project in Knowsley which will see children follow an Army Cadet Force syllabus.

Ed Balls said: "Alternative provision has for far too long operated on the edge of the education system, only getting involved with children after they have been excluded.

"In the lead up to exclusion there are often opportunities to turn around behaviour before it's too late. I believe that alternative provision providers can step in at an early point and use their unique expertise to support mainstream schools.

"In addition to the pilots we have announced today, we are also publishing a new survey from the frontline. The data gives a clear view from teachers of what pupil behaviour is really like in schools.

"It shows that the media view of widespread disruption and lack of respect simply does not ring true for those actually teaching young people. Clearly, there are some problems and behaviour can always be better but it's important to be clear that generally behaviour is good and that schools now have the powers they need to deal with poor behaviour when it does occur.

"The steps we are taking today will further this by helping schools to identify those at risk of very serious poor behaviour, and prevent poor behaviour from occurring in the first place," said Balls.

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