www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Information for Teachers and Support Staff
Typically, asb takes place in public (for example large groups congregating, graffiti and vandalism or dangerous driving). However, this type of behaviour can also take place in school, or the school may be implicated, for example if perpetrators are near to the school, or perhaps in uniform. This will particularly be the case during the day if those behaving anti socially are truanting from school.
Those who are causing trouble outside of school are often the same students who cause trouble (or just get into trouble!) in school. Addressing the cause of one is likely to help to address the other. School age children behaving badly outside of school is bad for the reputation of the school. Improvements in the behaviour of students will go a long way to improving the standing of the school in the community.
Improving behaviour in schools
The DCSF is rightly concerned about the impact of behaviour on learning and has launched a programme on behaviour and attendance. Asbin schools can involve intimidating and threatening behaviour (of both staff and pupils), graffiti, vandalism and damage to school property, theft and violence. Anything that can happen outside of school can happen inside school, and some areas will be particularly vulnerable. See the section on creating a safe school environment for more information on this.
Teachers will also be aware that much asb may include a bullying element, or involve drugs or alcohol.
Improving attendance
Truancy is one of the most important factors in a child’s success at school. Up to 50,000 children truant every day, with a resulting 7.5 million school days lost per year. Those children who truant most often are most likely to have low educational attainment, restricted life chances and the highest chances of offending. Reducing truancy doesn’t just help to reduce anti social behaviour, but also improves young people’s whole life prospects.
Taking responsibility
Schools need to take responsibility for the behaviour of their pupils, both in and around the school. Anti social behaviour is not just the responsibility of the police. To be successfully dealt with, it needs to be dealt with in partnership. This will include police, schools, district councils and youth offending teams. Everyone needs to be involved.
If you have any comments or suggestions about the safer schools pages, please send them to saferschools@wiltshire.gov.uk or fill in and return our feedback form.
