According to the 2001 Statistics of Education, published last week by the Office for National Statistics, nearly 500 children aged under eight were permanently excluded in the year 1999-2000, including some as young as four. However, 12-to 14-year-olds account for the majority of exclusions, at around 60 per cent.
The statistics also show that the number of teaching assistants in schools has increased sharply over the past five years. In 1996 there were 2,098 support staff in nursery schools, while in 2001 there were 2,323. The most dramatic growth over the same period was in primary schools, where the number of teaching assistants has leapt from 37,318 to 63,176. This includes 21,213 special needs support staff.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here
