Shocking number of pupils kicked out of school each day over booze and drugs
Pupils are being suspended for drugs and booze at the fastest rate in nearly a decade.
Almost 50 kids are sent home every school day for turning up high, sneaking substances into playgrounds or trying to deal them to classmates.
In the school year 2016/17 there were 8,965 occasions in England when children were temporarily kicked out for breaching drug and alcohol rules, which also cover cigarettes.
The shock figure is up 29 per cent on 6,950 in 2012/3 and the highest for eight years.
There were another 565 incidents in the same year involving offences so serious pupils were expelled for good.
With the academic year consisting of 190 days it means that each school day sees around 47 children suspended for breaking drug and alcohol rules and another three get booted out permanently.
Dr Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, said: “School policies on drugs and alcohol are there for the safety and wellbeing of everyone.
“The focus must be on preventing exclusions and giving all young people opportunities to develop healthy views and positive behaviour.
“This requires strong pastoral support systems but these very systems are being lost due to funding cuts.”
All suspensions and expulsions from schools for whatever reason are recorded and categorised by teachers.
Latest figures reveal the sharp increases in booze and drug offences by children aged 12 and above.
They also include children who were unable to study after being uncovered abusing prescription drugs.
The figures from the Department for Education tally with a recent Freedom of Information Act survey of police forces, where it was revealed around 30 children are being arrested every week on suspicion of dealing in illegal drugs.
Christopher McGovern, chairman of the Campaign for Real Education, said: “These figures are likely only the tip of the iceberg.
“Almost certainly, much drug abuse in schools goes undetected and contributes to disorder and violence.”
The Department for Education said: “We support head teachers in using exclusions where warranted.
“The Government recently announced a £10million investment to support schools to share best practice in behaviour management.”
Read More
Top news stories from Mirror Online
Source: Read Full Article