Parents’ warning on education changes

PARENTS of primary pupils are worried that Government plans will make it easier to kick disruptive children out of schools, instead of giving teachers the resources to tackle bad behaviour.

Education Minister Mary Hanafin last month outlined planned changes to the 1998 Education Act, which will ensure the rights of all students and teachers are considered when appeals are being heard against expulsions or suspensions.

The amendments were sought by teachers and recommended earlier this year by a task force examining behaviour among second level students.