The number of pupils being excluded from Swansea secondary schools is falling.
During 2008-09 the overall Swansea rate fell by seven per cent- a reduction driven by a detailed Local Education Authority strategy.
One school continues to have an exclusion rate of zero while eight others have reduced their rates.
Councillors heard of the success when they met in Swansea Council’s Children and Young People Scrutiny Board earlier this week.
Council Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Mike Day, said: “The number of permanent exclusions in Swansea has shown a steady decline and is now 0.9 per 1,000 pupils. This is below the Wales average.
“The number of fixed-term exclusions of five days or fewer has started to reduce and the number of pupils excluded for six days or more has fallen.”
Cllr Day said the strategy for reducing pupil exclusions had helped to produce the results and that it would continue to evolve.
He said: “Measures in place include regular meetings of school senior managers to discuss behavioural issues.
“We target support at schools with static or increasing trends in fixed-term exclusions and have encouraged a self-evaluation process to develop effective practice. Among the other advances is the development of a graduate diploma programme for staff in partnership with Swansea Metropolitan University.”
Other helpful initiatives have been identified and will soon complement the work already being carried out.
The Local Education Authority has developed its strategic approach to behaviour and exclusions through its Behaviour Support Plan Implementation Group. This has representatives from across the Education Directorate, other statutory agencies, headteachers and voluntary groups.
The figures come as Swansea’s Quality in Education 2020 (QEd 2020) scheme moves forward. This comprehensive strategy for the long-term improvement of standards in education and educational buildings has been praised by Estyn inspectors.
Cllr Day said: “QEd 2020 represents an important vision which we are determined to make a reality.”
