Parents to Get Discipline Warning

Measures to improve behaviour in schools and tackle bullying are due to be announced by Schools Secretary Ed Balls at the Labour Party conference.

Parents in England will be given a leaflet warning they are responsible for their children's behaviour.

"Parents want their children to go to an orderly school with a strong head teacher who won't tolerate bullying or disruptive behaviour," he will say.

His speech follows Gordon Brown's pledge to reduce anti-social behaviour.

Mr Balls is set to emphasise the importance of discipline in schools - and the rights and responsibilities of pupils, parents and teachers.

"We will back head teachers, and expect all parents to back teachers too, so they have the confidence to use their powers to the full so they can get on and teach and all children can learn," he will tell the conference.

Parents will be given a leaflet warning them of the sanctions that can be brought against them - including the use of parenting orders - if they fail to control their children's behaviour.

Mr Balls has already promised behaviour experts will be sent to into all schools in England where inspectors say that behaviour is only "satisfactory".

Earlier this year the government's behaviour expert Sir Alan Steer said schools were failing to make use of the powers they have already been given to tackle problem pupils.

Sir Alan also said children who disrupt classes should be isolated so they do not disturb classmates.

Mr Balls is also expected to promise legislation setting out further requirements for councils to find suitable places for children who have been removed from mainstream classes.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Gordon Brown promised there would be no cuts in school spending in England for the next five years - and Mr Balls is set to challenge the Conservatives over education spending.

"We are not going to cut investment in schools and Sure Start; we are not going to make cuts to frontline services that mean fewer teachers and teaching assistants. And we are not going to pay for an inheritance tax cut for the wealthy few by cutting investment in our children's future," Mr Balls will tell Labour delegates.

With thanks to BBC News for this news item: bbc.co.uk/news