Ruth Kelly, the Education Secretary, has announced a “zero tolerance” approach to low-level disruptive behaviour in classrooms. She says; “any poor behaviour is too much and should not be tolerated. We need to re-draw the line on what is acceptable.” Ms Kelly who gets spiritual support from Opus Dei has outlawed pranks and back-chat to teachers.

Her plans include sending behavioural experts into problem schools with a renewed drive to issue parenting orders, under which courts can fine adults and require them to take lessons in parenting, but Ministers will still force schools to take unruly pupils who have been expelled - guaranteeing a troublemaker in every playground.

The Conservatives have said they would provide funding for head teachers to introduce CCTV, random drug tests and metal detectors if they deem it to be necessary. Children's charity NCH said: “Disruptive behaviour in the classroom may mask the fact that a pupil is facing some complex problems and needs support - not punishment.”

As a parent, I feel these measures will be ineffective. After drug tests and body searches, children should be issued with orange jumpsuits and shackled at the ankles, if they dare to bring a sense of fun, humour or adventure into school. Ms Kelly should forbid them from showing any sign of rebellion against the education system.

 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4223111.stm