TEACHERS are expected to be given powers to stop and search pupils who may be carrying knives into school.
But the plans, being announced by Education Secretary Charles Clarke today, have already been criticised by one Manchester headteacher, who believes such measures should only be used in "extreme circumstances".
Mr Clarke acknowledges that most pupils never carry knives, either in or out of school.
"But there are a few who ignore the fact that it is against the law to have a knife in school. This is unacceptable, and no school should tolerate it.
"Headteachers face many tough challenges, and I want to ensure that every head has the means to tackle bad behaviour and raise standards in our schools," he said.
The measures form part of a package designed to improve pupil behaviour - including limiting the numbers of previously excluded children that schools would have to admit and improving the way allegations of misconduct against teachers are investigated.
There are also plans to encourage high-achieving schools - including grammar schools - to take pupils who have been excluded for bad behaviour.
Unnecessary
But Manchester headteacher John O'Callaghan told the M.E.N. the stop and search powers are unnecessary.
Mr O'Callaghan, head of St Thomas Aquinas RC High School, in Chorlton, vowed to search pupils suspected of carrying drugs earlier this year.
But he believes the new measures would only be appropriate in the "most extreme circumstances."
"If we are talking about body searching, that needs to be done by someone who has had proper training, and it needs to be done in a proper environment. And this is not something we are trained to do."
He added: "I don't think there is a need for metal detectors at the moment. It's not a great start to the day if people are coming in and they are being beeped and having to have their bags searched. Where is the level of trust in that?"
Teaching unions have some doubts about moves towards searching of children, although they are worried about the growing problem of violent behaviour.
David Hart, general secretary of the National Association of Headteachers said the answer was to introduce x-ray scanners at school gates.
He added: "It's all very well saying teachers have the power to confiscate these weapons, but in trying to do this you put yourself at risk of assault."
What do you think of the new stop and search powers? Have your say.
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my children both go to private schools they know lifes boundaries and thankfully will not be subjected to having to study with children of parents who just dont give a damn. i work 2 jobs to pay their school fees and they both help in their fathers business at weekends i dont suppose for a single minute that any of the schools the government ministers children go to will be subjected to accepting problem pupils. I moved my daughter from a school in trafford that has been forced to accept 2 such problem pupils after one of them headbutted a teacher and knocked her unconscious the other set fire to the curtains in the hall during assembly. enough said why spoil the future education of decent children just because of a useless minority.
i agree with anything that has to be done to ensure the safety of pupils and their teachers thus included inside and outside. i agree that while the majority are not likely to carry knives there are some who do therefore everyone is then threatened! whats happened to knowing your children are safe at school?these days its a bonus if your child makes it safely through the door at night! i dont agree with bernie that most parents dont care, i have a son who has social problems but i care very much what my child is up to, and i work very hard with the school and authorities to keep him under control. i could go on but i think the education and authorities should do every possible to make all safe no matter what it takes!! you have my full support as a parent even if i dont like it at times!!!!!!!