‘We should cease mollycoddling children’

Head instructor Alun Ebenezer is not any stranger to headlines about his hard-line strategy to self-discipline.

Dubbed by one newspaper because the “head from hell”, the most recent controversy has targeted on his resolution to introduce detentions on Saturdays.

However because the lately appointed head of 1,300-pupil Caldicot College in Monmouthshire, which has been tormented by points lately together with lecturers placing over violence in school rooms, Mr Ebenezer mentioned he was unapologetic a few deal with “strict self-discipline and agency boundaries”.

He was additionally important of what he referred to as a tradition of “hiding behind phrases like ‘wellbeing'” and “mollycoddling” kids.

Mr Ebenezer instructed BBC Information that two or three households had taken their kids out of the college as they felt that his insurance policies have been too strict.

He mentioned most mother and father had been supportive, however about 20 to 30 had objected to the brand new behaviour coverage he launched in September.

The varsity asks mother and father to return into classes and sit subsequent to their baby in the event that they misbehave at school.

“I can say to you that we have by no means needed to ask the identical mum or dad in twice – it is efficient,” mentioned Mr Ebenezer.

The varsity additionally carries out detentions – which means pupils being stored in class after-hours as a punishment – both on the identical day or on a Saturday.

“We function a same-day detention coverage, which we expect works,” he mentioned.

“Apparently in Wales it is unlawful, as a result of we now have to present mother and father 24 hours’ discover in order that they know the place their kids are.”

Colleges are entitled to carry Saturday detentions, besides on weekends instantly earlier than and after half-term holidays.

However laws requires mother and father to be given a minimum of 24 hours’ discover in writing of any detention that may happen exterior college classes if the pupil is at a faculty in Wales, a requirement which was repealed in England in 2011.

“The rationale we have completed [same-day detentions] is as a result of if I am badly behaved at the moment, I wish to be sorted out at the moment,” mentioned Mr Ebenezer.

Mr Ebenezer was requested to take over on the college after a tough interval which noticed lecturers placing over “violent and abusive behaviour” by pupils.

“My agency perception is what all younger folks want is strict self-discipline and agency boundaries,” mentioned Mr Ebenezer.

Every morning, senior employees greet pupils and examine that coats are off, ties are on and skirts are the proper size.

“I do assume uniform’s vital,” Mr Ebenezer mentioned.

“I would like [pupils] to present the proper impression.”

He has additionally launched a “strong entrance door” coverage for wellbeing areas, which means that pupils have to be referred there by employees.

“We perceive that there are some pupils on this college who want correct wellbeing assist,” he mentioned.

“However let these younger folks get the assistance they want, not be in the back of the queue from 100 individuals who do not wish to be in physics.”

A current report by schooling inspectors Estyn discovered behaviour on the college had improved however mentioned it was nonetheless in want of “vital enchancment”.

It mentioned there was work to do on attendance, safeguarding and growing pupils’ abilities.

One of many senior group, Hayley Moseley, is in her fifteenth 12 months at Caldicot College and mentioned she had seen “numerous modifications, numerous completely different kinds of administration”.

She mentioned there had been difficulties, however felt the tradition within the college was beginning to change and that pupils appeared “happier”.

Pupil Lilly-Belle, 12, was instructed off in her first week on the college as a result of she was carrying her sister’s previous skirts which weren’t the proper size.

She mentioned the strategy might be “a bit strict typically” however added: “It is higher to be strict than not strict in any respect.”

Caden, 12, mentioned he had been pulled up for an untucked shirt however mentioned he was comfy with the principles: “I am fairly proud of them they usually’re good.”

Mother or father Katherine, who has two sons on the college, mentioned the change in strategy was initially a shock.

“It was a bit navy – some folks referred to as it draconian,” she mentioned.

“However typically you want that shock to sort of get everyone singing from the identical hymn sheet.”

Mr Ebenezer mentioned he wished to make Caldicot College one of many high 20 in Wales.

“It is about doing the proper factor,” he mentioned.

He mentioned his focus was on “excessive requirements of uniform and look, punctuality, attendance, behaviour, perspective” and mentioned prevailing approaches to behavior have been misguided.

“It is undoubtedly too gentle. I feel folks confuse strict with nasty,” he mentioned.

“Strict is not any nonsense – you do that, this occurs. No means no, it is not nasty.

“I feel in the meanwhile we’re indulging and we’re hiding behind phrases like wellbeing and secure areas and it is making issues unsafe and is damaging folks’s wellbeing.”

Mr Ebenezer mentioned he and his employees wanted to be “allowed to do what we have to do and never be inhibited by ridiculous paperwork”.

“We shall be most secure, happiest and flourish most after we carry again agency self-discipline, strict boundaries and we will get on with it,” he added.

The Welsh authorities mentioned: “Colleges must be secure areas for learners and employees and all schooling settings in Wales have a authorized responsibility to offer a secure studying surroundings. It’s as much as faculties to set their very own detention insurance policies.

“We’re working with companions to develop proposals to enhance behaviour, together with a Nationwide Behaviour Summit which is deliberate for the spring.”