A HEADTEACHER has hit back over new behavioural guidelines as the Department for Education said teachers could see an increase in bad behaviour due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The new behavioural guidelines have been issued to parents as many schools have welcomed children back into their classrooms in England this week.

The department said teachers could see an increase in bad behaviour due to pupils’ lack of regular attendance and “classroom discipline” during the pandemic.

The DfE said schools should clearly state the consequences for bad behaviour, particularly around new movement restrictions and hygiene rules.

Bryony Baynes, headteacher from Kempsey Primary School, said: “I think the DfE should be wary of making such sweeping statements and wary of putting ideas in pupils’ heads.

“What is the point of such a statement. Additionally, I don’t think schools should be unilaterally setting out ‘consequences’.

“We need to look at the why of pupil behaviour with understanding and compassion and support them.”

Mrs Baynes added: “Some of my pupils won’t have been near school for 6 months and now they are coming back to an environment which is massively different to the one they’ve left. Is it any wonder that they might act up?

“Further, any good school will have clear expectations on behaviour which come at the issue from a positive approach.

“We will be clear with our pupils when we return how we expect them to behave but we will also explain why we have those expectations and then we will work with them and their parents to understand why they might have challenged those expectations.”

In its updated guidance for schools, the DfE said: “It is likely that adverse experiences or lack of routines of regular attendance and classroom discipline may contribute to disengagement with education upon return to school, resulting in increased incidence of poor behaviour.”

Kate Brunt, CEO, The Rivers C.of.E Academy Trust, said: “We have clear expectations already in place in all of our schools.

“All of our schools have an ambitious curriculum ready in place that will drive high expectations of learning and behaviour.”