School exclusion numbers on rise

The number of temporary exclusions from Clackmannanshire secondary schools has increased in the last year.

The figure rose from 329 in 2004/05 to 366 in 2005/06, with the local authority attributing the rise to a tougher discipline policy.

The number of temporary exclusions in primary schools fell from 103 to 75 over the same period.

Clackmannanshire Council said this was due to new moves aimed at addressing the behaviour of difficult children.

The authority said the secondary figures came after a crackdown on pupils skipping detention.

A report by the council's schools improvement chief, Jim Goodall, said the aim was to keep the number of exclusions as small as possible.

But he added: "It is important that head teachers have temporary exclusion available to them as a sanction for use in appropriate circumstances."