“We know that what is currently happening is not working as too many students,particularly those with learning difficulties or from low socio-economic families,are suspended and do not receive the support they need.”
The suspension issue hasdivided school communities. Parents say students are being suspended for behaviours caused by their disability,but teachers say they don’t have the resources to deal with extreme behaviour that puts other students and staff at risk.
Adraft of the policy,released 18 months ago,was welcomed by parent groups but led to tense negotiations with principals and the teachers’ union,who argued it would undermine their ability to protect the safety of staff and students.
One of their chief concerns was the scrapping of a list of grounds for suspension,ranging from physical violence or drug possession - which would result in a long,or 20-day suspension - to continued disobedience or aggressive behaviour,which could lead to a short,10-day suspension.
The Secondary Principals Council said it had not yet seen the finalised policy so declined to comment.
However,one principal – who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the media – said some were angry enough to consider industrial action if their concerns were not met.
The new strategy allows principals to apply to their superior,the regional director,for permission to suspend students for longer than the maximum 10 days,or more often than the three times outlined in the policy.
The Advocate for Children and Young People,Zoe Robinson,welcomed the policy. “We know there is a link between suspensions and youth justice. We welcome this policy reform as a step forward and are glad the department and Minister have worked with and listened to children and young people.”
P&C Federation president Natalie Walker also backed the plan. “This strategy looks to provide a more inclusive and engaging and accessible education for all children and families in NSW public schools.”
Louise Kuchel from Square Peg,Round Whole – a community of parents advocating for children with disabilities – said parents supported reducing the number and length of suspensions but wanted to see them banned for the youngest children.
Loading
“Some parents have lost count of how often their kids have been suspended,” she said. “We’re not improving outcomes for young,neurodivergent people when we keep excluding them and sending them away.”
However,the NSW Teachers Federation wrote to the NSW Department of Education on Thursday,warning the policy would increase teachers’ workload and put safety at risk.
“It will constrain the ability of schools to manage and address appropriate student behaviour,denying the vast majority of students a safe and settled learning environment,” deputy president Henry Rajendra told theHerald.
The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interestingstories,analysis and insights.Sign up here.