School exclusions spark criticism

The Education Minister says pupils are taught how to behave properly

Guernsey's education system has been criticised by a politician after it emerged more than 200 pupils were excluded from school last year.

Deputy Francis Quinn said there was a link between children who are expelled and crime and the exclusion figures backed up his argument.

But St Peter Port Deputy and former head teacher Jenny Tasker said parents should take responsibility.

The education minister said excluding pupils was only done as a last resort.

There are some young people who seem to think its cool to behave in an inappropriate manner Education Minister Martin Ozanne

Deputy Martin Ozanne told BBC News he was hopeful the department's new policy of using behaviour co-ordinators would reduce the number of exclusions.

The four specialist co-ordinators who have been appointed to secondary schools will focus on pupils who persistently disrupt lessons.

Mr Ozanne said: "We are very mindful of our responsibilities. A decision to exclude pupils is only take after a lot of work has been done with the young people.

"Exclusion is a last resort and it is not taken lightly."

The education minister said schools' Personal, Social and Health Programmes included teaching pupils how to behave in public and with other people.

"Unfortunately, there are some young people who seem to think its cool to behave in an inappropriate manner", Mr Ozanne said.

"Sadly in some cases there is a lack of parental responsibility, so don't just blame the teachers."

St Peter Port Deputy Jenny Tasker, who is a former head teacher also said parents must take responsibility for the actions of their children.