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Press release: Steer Report: Statement from Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools, David Bell

"Ofsted is pleased to welcome the Steer report which will provide schools with practical advice and recommendations aimed at improving behaviour in schools. Ofsted has always reported on pupil behaviour and we will continue to do so in the future. I am pleased that today's report recognises the contribution Ofsted is playing through inspection and self-evaluation in supporting school development.

"Like the Steer report, Ofsted understands how a small minority of pupils can interfere with the learning of others and create unnecessary pressure for their peers and teachers. We particularly welcome the recommendations for Ofsted to review and update its guidance for schools in completing the self-evaluation form. The recommendation confirms an area already identified by us as requiring additional guidance. We shall ask schools to analyse data about exclusion and behaviour and identify what they are doing to improve them over time. We will also remind schools to comply with the requirements of the Race Relations Amendment Act 2002 and document by ethnicity, exclusions and behaviour incidents.

"Ofsted believes effective learning is directly linked to good teaching which minimises poor behaviour. When reviewing our guidance to schools on the self-evaluation form, we will ensure our guidance makes the links more explicit.

"Learning to behave well is a basic requirement in preparing children to function effectively in communities. Schools with support from others, including parents, have a key role in preparing future citizens. My annual reports consistently note that most pupils behave well most of the time but that some do not. We are also aware that poor behaviour is not confined to English schools but occurs internationally and I particularly welcome the recommendation asking for OECD research into behaviour in schools."

Notes For Editors

1. Ofsted is a non-ministerial government department established under the Education (Schools) Act 1992 to take responsibility for the inspection of all schools in England. Its role also includes the inspection of further education, local authority children’s services, teacher training institutions and some independent schools. During 2001, Ofsted became responsible for inspecting all 16-19 education and for the regulation of early years childcare, including childminders.

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