A Boston school says a 'get tough' policy on pupil behaviour is working after 86 were suspended this week

Haven High Academy says issues with student's misbehaving led to complaints from teachers

Author: Julie CastonPublished 9th May 2024

A Boston school is defending what it calls a 'no nonsense' policy on behaviour which has seen it suspend 86 pupils this week.

It follows issues at Haven High Academy which saw complaints from teachers.

They've been excluding students for either a day or half a day then meeting with parents to discuss the way forward.

Alun Ebenezer - the school's Improvement Lead - says it's a successful approach:

"At first it can get resistance, at first it might seem hard.

"But you can see the benefits from it. People feel happy they feel safe, they've got pride in their school , they want to learn, it's a positive culture.

"I believe that this approach is tried and tested and it's the one that works.

"We've had to exclude a significant amount of pupils. But no one for more than a day.

"Then they come back with their parents and we have a conversation with them.

"The good news is the vast majority of those excluded don't do it again.

"What we are doing at the moment is making it clear to everybody these are the standards, everyone has to meet them. And if you don't there are consequences."

A spokesperson for Haven High said:

'We have high standards of behaviour at Haven High which enables most learners to thrive.

"A number of learners have received short fixed term exclusions for refusing to follow the school rules.

"The majority of learners, parents and carers are supportive of the schools high standards, and are working with us to ensure Haven High continues to be a positive learning environment for all."

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