English schools to phase out ‘cruel’ behaviour rules as Labour plans major education changes

The Labour government will look at phasing out strict behaviour regimes in England and shift its focus on how to include the most vulnerable pupils. Photograph: redsnapper/Alamy

Isolation booths, frequent suspensions and strict behaviour regimes look set to be phased out in England as the Labour government shifts focus on how to keep the most vulnerable pupils in school.

Education leaders close to the new government say ministers are planning to change the inspection regime so that all schools are judged on whether they are properly representative of their local community, and aiming to stop schools telling parents their child with special educational needs would be better off at another school, or being repeatedly suspended because they aren’t meeting strict behaviour rules.