Revolutionizing Discipline: How Morpeth School Is Reducing Suspensions and Changing the Game for Vulnerable Students
The Unrelenting Challenge of Post-Pandemic Behavior
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, schools across England have been grappling with unprecedented levels of behavioral issues among students. The disruption to education has left its mark, with many pupils struggling to adjust to the demands of secondary school. Morpeth School in east London is no exception, but it's also a shining example of what can be achieved when innovative approaches are taken.
Embracing Inclusion: The Key to Reducing Suspensions
Headteacher Jemima Reilly and her team at Morpeth have been working tirelessly with the organization The Difference to promote inclusion and improve outcomes for their most vulnerable pupils. By equipping school leaders with strategies that de-escalate behavior and strengthen students' sense of belonging, they've managed to reduce suspensions by an impressive 72% in just a few years.
At the heart of this success lies the school's emphasis on 'relational practice.' This involves building trust between students and staff through coaching circles and small group activities that foster meaningful relationships. The aim is to create an environment where every student feels valued, supported, and connected to their peers and teachers alike.
No Silver Bullet: Focus on Inclusion, Not Just Exceptional Needs
Reilly emphasizes the importance of focusing on being inclusive and meeting the needs of all pupils, not just those with exceptional educational requirements. This means recognizing that every child brings unique experiences, skills, and challenges to school and acknowledging the need for teachers to be equipped to support them.
The Power of Coaching Circles
Morpeth's coaching circles are a prime example of this inclusive approach. These small groups of around 12 pupils from different year groups aim to build relationships, provide support for struggling students, and encourage a sense of belonging among all participants. By doing so, the school is able to prevent issues from arising in the first place.
A Holistic Approach: Supporting Pupils' Needs
Reilly's team also recognizes that meeting pupils' needs goes far beyond addressing individual incidents or suspensions. They provide extensive support through classroom-based teaching assistants (35), educational psychologist services, speech and language therapy, and two school counsellors from the young people's mental health charity Place2Be. This comprehensive approach ensures that every pupil receives the care and attention they require.