Strict Discipline Essential – Ofsted’s groundbreaking theory (about time!)

Ofsted’s pearls of wisdom- a bit late in the day but hey, they’ve had lots to think about over the years. I don’t generally rate Ofsted’s opinions. I’ve seen too much bad behaviour in schools with nothing much being done about it but then Ofsted visit the school and say everything is just great. But, oh no it’s not….

Upper Junior children with little reading skills, they can’t do the work because they can’t understand the instructions, behaviour problems and discipline go unheeded, teachers follow the latest initiative without question (but a lot of resentment!). Without effective discipline very little learning can be accomplished…. I could say more …..

It appears that Ofsted have said that to improve behaviour at a particular primary school they must stamp out swearing – well, glory be – there’s a novel concept!!! To add to their pearls of wisdom they say that strict discipline is essential. Give them all a sticker. I suppose we should be grateful that anyone’s said it at all. It’s certainly about time…

But, wait a minute, I sense a problem!!! Where on earth could there be a problem?? Well, schools, adults and society in general have lost their way when it comes to disciplining children. They’ve forgotten how. It’s regarded as negative. People think it’s harsh. They say it stunts children’s development.

Complete rubbish of course …..discipline is the training every child needs to be able to become socially and emotionally mature and to be able to confidently manage in society. They thrive on a routine based on discipline and high expectations. Basically it teaches them how the world works. And, children know that it’s the adults who should be in charge, but if they’re not then the chlidren soon will be – and we can see the results of that all around us… it has a terrible impact on children.

Interestingly one my class is ready to be fully reintegrated into mainstream school – but he doesn’t want to leave my class! He wants to stay where there are very high standards of behaviour and work. It’s hard to believe that a year ago his behaviour was so extreme in school (and home) that he was almost kicked out of mainstream school for good. I’m so pleased with how he’s changed – his mum’s so proud and says she’s got a new son… what a result.

To add to the mix we have another problem – adults who know that discipline must be implemented don’t have the skill to actually take the action needed. It’s perceived that disciplining children is about just shouting at children. Nothing could be further from the truth. Discipline is about learning effective behaviour management techniques, implementing them consistently and with confidence.

Any adult, teacher or parent, can learn to discipline children effectively and quite simply by using easy to follow behaviour management techniques consistently. Behaviour Bible shows you how to have well mannered, happy and hard working children who accept that adults are in charge.

Liz Marsden’s highly recommended book Behaviour Bible is full of invaluable information to help you effectively manage children’s behaviour in school. Liz is highly skilled in managing children’s extremely challenging behaviour and uses her skills daily in the classroom and also trains teachers, students and parents. Read about her daily classroom experiences.