13 October, 2011
PPTA says a move to place more social workers in primary schools is addressing at-risk children early in life is commendable but misses violence at secondary level.
“Experts say behavioural issues must be addressed early in the life of the child or early in the life of the problem,” said PPTA president Robin Duff.
“Violence at home is directly linked to challenging behaviour in schools. It’s positive to tackle the problem at primary level but the early life of the problem often starts at secondary school,” he said.
“We’ve seen evidence of escalating violence in secondary schools and social workers are a vital ingredient to help address this,” he said.
Duff said schools were heavily dependent on the police to help them and PPTA want to see increased leadership from the ministries of education and social development to support schools.
“PPTA would like to work with the ministry to make sure nationally-consistent guidelines to help schools deal with discipline are introduced along with increased numbers of social workers,” he said.
Contact: PPTA president Robin Duff - 04) 913 4227 or 021 636 108
Communications advisor, Kate Shuttleworth – 021 541 261
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