18/11/2004
Clarke unveils radical measures to tackle knives in schools
Police could launch surprise raids on schools and headmasters may get new powers to search children in an effort to prevent pupils from carrying knives at school, according to new education proposals outlined today.
Publishing a package of measures designed to improve pupil behaviour, Education Secretary Charles Clarke said that behaviour was good in the vast majority of schools but that there was a "stubborn tail of schools" where standards of behaviour were unacceptable.
Speaking at the National College for School Leadership's conference for new Heads, Mr Clarke said he would overturn current provisions preventing searches and permit heads to call in "unannounced police searches" in schools.
He also outlined proposals that would be designed to improve to the way allegations of misconduct against teachers are investigated.
Mr Clarke said: "I am very much aware of the devastating effect that false, or unfounded, allegations can have on a teacher's health, family, and career. The length of time it takes to investigate an allegation and the surrounding publicity can make its impact so much more severe.
"I am committed to tackling those issues, rapidly, fairly and consistently to better protect teachers from false allegations while at the same time continuing to maintain effective protection for children."
He also unveiled a set of proposals to set up local agreements for Admissions Forums to share the allocation of hard to place pupils between schools and limit the number of excluded children that each school would have to admit.
(gmcg/sp)
Publishing a package of measures designed to improve pupil behaviour, Education Secretary Charles Clarke said that behaviour was good in the vast majority of schools but that there was a "stubborn tail of schools" where standards of behaviour were unacceptable.
Speaking at the National College for School Leadership's conference for new Heads, Mr Clarke said he would overturn current provisions preventing searches and permit heads to call in "unannounced police searches" in schools.
He also outlined proposals that would be designed to improve to the way allegations of misconduct against teachers are investigated.
Mr Clarke said: "I am very much aware of the devastating effect that false, or unfounded, allegations can have on a teacher's health, family, and career. The length of time it takes to investigate an allegation and the surrounding publicity can make its impact so much more severe.
"I am committed to tackling those issues, rapidly, fairly and consistently to better protect teachers from false allegations while at the same time continuing to maintain effective protection for children."
He also unveiled a set of proposals to set up local agreements for Admissions Forums to share the allocation of hard to place pupils between schools and limit the number of excluded children that each school would have to admit.
(gmcg/sp)
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18 June 2010
Free Schools To 'Harness Teachers' Passion'
The process for setting up and running so-called 'free schools' to allow teachers, charities and parents to develop facilities in response to parental demand is to be revised.
Free Schools To 'Harness Teachers' Passion'
The process for setting up and running so-called 'free schools' to allow teachers, charities and parents to develop facilities in response to parental demand is to be revised.
13 March 2007
Man jailed for life for family murder
A man has been jailed for life for murdering his wife and three children. Rahan Arshad, 36, had denied four counts of murder, but was found guilty at Manchester Crown Court.
Man jailed for life for family murder
A man has been jailed for life for murdering his wife and three children. Rahan Arshad, 36, had denied four counts of murder, but was found guilty at Manchester Crown Court.
26 January 2006
Report reveals increase in violent crime
The Home Office has today released a report revealing that violent crime particularly gun crime and robbery are all on the increase in the UK. The report states that violent crime is on the increase, despite a fall in the total amount of criminal behaviour recorded.
Report reveals increase in violent crime
The Home Office has today released a report revealing that violent crime particularly gun crime and robbery are all on the increase in the UK. The report states that violent crime is on the increase, despite a fall in the total amount of criminal behaviour recorded.
25 July 2008
Nanny Cleared Of Baby Death
A nanny accused of killing a baby in her care by shaking the boy has been freed by the court. Prosecutors had alleged that 47-year-old Linda Wise shook Isaac Rowlinson when he was 13-weeks-old and caused him brain damage in September, 2006.
Nanny Cleared Of Baby Death
A nanny accused of killing a baby in her care by shaking the boy has been freed by the court. Prosecutors had alleged that 47-year-old Linda Wise shook Isaac Rowlinson when he was 13-weeks-old and caused him brain damage in September, 2006.
15 November 2004
Clarke calls for English schools to twin with foreign institutions
The government has said that it wants to twin every school in England with a school overseas within the next five years as part of a drive to "equip children for life in a global society".
Clarke calls for English schools to twin with foreign institutions
The government has said that it wants to twin every school in England with a school overseas within the next five years as part of a drive to "equip children for life in a global society".
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.