NSW government fails to reach decision on the length of school suspensions

The NSW government has failed to take a stance on school suspensions in their new student behaviour strategy despite arguing for a reduction in the duration of suspensions last year.

The government has implemented a new team of 36 behaviour specialists who will help teachers deal with students with complex needs but has not reached a decision on suspensions.

Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said suspensions remain a last resort and the department would continue to collaborate with principals on how suspensions were issued and managed.

“If they’re getting suspended for a long period of time early on in their school career, it really does set them down a trajectory we really don’t want to see,” Ms Mitchell said.

“So it’s about how do we…