Name-calling 'is rife' in schools

Name-calling is rife in many schools, but is often dismissed as simply "banter", according to a new Ofsted report into bullying.

It found that pupils are using insults relating to sexuality, intelligence, race, appearance and family circumstances, with some saying it was acceptable if the words were being used between friends.

But while students admit to using language that they know is inappropriate, the report also raises concerns that some teachers were not aware how frequently it was being used.

The Ofsted report, based on visits to 56 schools and discussions with around 2,000 pupils and staff, looked at the best ways that schools can prevent and tackle bullying.

It said it was clear that pupils were using derogatory languageoutside of the classrooms, such as in the playground, although at times it spilled over into lessons.

Words such as "stupid", "idiot", "mong", "spazzer" or "spaz" were used when pupils struggled with work or a sport, it said, while other youngsters told inspectors that terms such as "gay", "slag" or "slut" could be used against classmates.

The report warned that "gay" was often used as an insult, with one secondary school pupil saying it was used to mean "rubbish".

School staff also said that the use of the word "gay" was a "common issue".

"The disparaging language most commonly heard by pupils in both primary and secondary schools related to perceived ability or lack of ability - mainly the latter; race and, less commonly, religion; sexuality; appearance; family circumstances; and, in secondary schools, sexual behaviour," the report said.

Susan Gregory, Ofsted director of education and care, said: "Schools must develop a positive culture so all pupils learn in a happy and safe environment. Teachers should receive the right training and support so they have the skills and confidence to teach pupils about diversity and the effects of bullying."
©Press Association

Reoffending may rise under plans

Kenneth Clarke's plans to toughen up community orders by tracking offenders with high-tech ankle tags and ensuring every sentence is a punishment could increase reoffending, the Government's own impact assessment has shown.

The Ministry of Justice's initial assessment found the proposals for new intensive community punishments could increase reoffending if the essential new punitive element forces out rehabilitation requirements.

Campaigners also warned that while "tough-sounding policies and Big Brother electronics will grab headlines", there is also the "risk that politicians will confuse toughness with effectiveness".

The warnings came as the Justice Secretary outlined plans which could see every community sentence having a sanction aimed primarily at punishment, curfews backed by electronic monitoring, or a fine.

But the MoJ's impact assessment said: "Given a limit on the overall level of resources available for probation services, and the need for sentences to remain proportionate ... delivering top end community orders may cause a number of primarily rehabilitative requirements to be substituted for primarily punitive ones.

"Evidence is unclear on the effectiveness of individual community order requirements in reducing re-offending ... For offenders who receive intensive community punishment, there is a risk that re-offending rates may be higher than other community orders if some of the rehabilitative requirements are replaced."

But it added that the tough new sentences may also lead to "some intangible benefits arising from a greater level of public confidence in the criminal justice system, and from justice being seen to be done".

"When it comes to law and order, there is always a risk that politicians will confuse toughness with effectiveness," said Juliet Lyon of the Prison Reform Trust. "There's no substitute for intensive supervision of offenders by well-trained professionals, and restorative justice for victims."

Shadow justice secretary Sadiq Khan added: "This Tory led-Government's whole criminal justice strategy is built on an overriding objective to reduce prison numbers in order to fill the black hole in the budget, and these proposals appear part of this obsession."

The probation union Napo also warned that tougher community sentences would only lead to a higher proportion of offenders failing to meet the requirements. Harry Fletcher, the union's assistant general secretary, added there was also "no evidence that GPS satellite tracking will reduce crime or save costs".

©Press Association

Stamp prices soar to record highs

First and second class stamp prices are to increase by 14p from next month to record highs of 60p and 50p, the Royal Mail has announced.

Prices will rise from the current 46p and 36p from April 30, while the cost of posting large letters will increase from 75p to 90p for first class and 58p to 69p for second class.

First class stamps will cost 60p from April 30

The increases followed a decision by regulator Ofcom to give Royal Mail the freedom to set its own prices.

Royal Mail said that even after the increases, second class stamps will still be the cheapest in Europe while first class will be around average.

The Royal Mail also announced that millions of people on low incomes will be able to buy up to 36 stamps for Christmas at the current price.

The new prices, showing increases of 30% for first class and 39% for second class, follow a huge reduction in the number of letters posted - down from 84 million a day six years ago to 59 million.

Royal Mail chief executive Moya Greene said: "We know how hard it is for households and businesses when our economy is as tough as it is now. No one likes to raise prices in the current economic climate but, regretfully, we have no option.

"Royal Mail provides one of the highest quality postal services in Europe for amongst the lowest prices for both consumers and business.

"That service is under threat from declining volume, e-substitution and ever increasing competition. Because of these pressures Royal Mail has lost £1 billion over the last four years; the sustainability of the service is now at risk.

"Price increases are needed to return the universal service to sustainability."

©Press Association