Following recommendations from the Chief Adviser on Child Safety, Sir Roger Singleton, the Government has announced its intention to ban physical punishment of children in any form of tuition or care outside of the family.
The Government has responded to concerns raised in 2009 about the use of physical punishment in supplementary and part-time faith schools.
In January 2010, the Children’s Secretary asked Sir Roger Singleton to investigate urgently whether Government action was needed on the issue.
In his report, Physical punishment: improving consistency and protection he makes three recommendations to the Government which have today been accepted in full.
- The current ban on physical punishment in schools and other children's settings should be extended to include any form of advice, guidance, teaching, training, instruction, worship, treatment or therapy and to any form of care or supervision which is carried out other than by a parent or member of the child's own family or household.
- The Government should continue to promote positive parenting strategies and effective behaviour management techniques directed towards eliminating the use of smacking. Parents who disapprove of smacking should make this clear to others who care for their children.
- The development of appropriate safeguarding policies in informal education and learning organisations should continue to be promoted. Legal changes which flow from adoption of these recommendations will need to be communicated effectively.
Further information:
DCSF press release 30 March 2010
Physical punishment: improving consistency and protection (PDF) 30 March 2010
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