The Welsh Conservatives have criticised Labour’s failure to address behavioural issues in schools, following Estyn's calls for a national campaign to address the problems. Estyn highlights a concerning decline in pupil behaviour since the pandemic. Secondary schools, in particular, are struggling to manage increasingly challenging behaviours, with instances of disruption, disrespect, and even violence on the rise.
The Welsh Conservatives have called for urgent action to reverse this trend and improve safety and discipline in schools. They recently proposed a motion in the Senedd aimed at tackling these behavioural issues and restoring trust between schools and families. However, Labour and Plaid Cymru voted against the motion, sparking criticism of their lack of leadership on this critical issue.
Commenting, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education, Natasha Asghar MS, said:
“Under Labour’s watch, the situation in our schools is deeply concerning with record levels of physical assaults on teachers, a tripling of fixed term exclusions and an increase in knife-related incidents on school grounds.
“Teachers, students and parents are all affected by the escalating lack of discipline. Immediate action is needed to reverse these trends and restore safety and order in our schools.
“Last week, the Welsh Conservatives introduced a motion in the Senedd aimed at tackling behavioural issues in schools and enhancing safety measures. Unfortunately, Labour and Plaid Cymru voted against this motion, missing a crucial opportunity to address the growing crisis, foster a safer environment for students and staff, and rebuild trust between schools and families.”
