HEADTEACHERS have been warned they could find themselves blamed for the behaviour of pupils outside of school if a government Bill goes ahead.

The National association of head teachers (NAHT) has said the Education and Children’s Bill could leave school leaders exposed and accountable for things outside their control.

The Bill focuses on discipline and wants to give more powers to headteachers to prevent bullying and disruptive behaviour.

However, a Worcestershire headteacher has said that he believes schools should be closely involved in many aspects of their pupils’ lives.

Clive Corbett, head of Pershore High School, said: “Although I’m sympathetic to the NAHT’s views, we’ve always taken the stance that pupils, especially when they’re walking to and from school or on school transport, are our responsibility.

“Also, if there’s been an issue at a weekend it may be in the interest of everyone that we deal with it.

“It could be, for example, that there’s a disagreement between pupils at the weekend and it’s led to an out-of-school incident.

“I think it has everything to do with us because it affects the learning of the pupils when they come in on a Monday.”

The NAHT’s general secretary Russell Hobby has said he is concerned about some areas of proposed new legislation. He said: “We appreciate the Government sending out a clear message about authority in our schools but there is some danger of conflict with other legislation and police powers.”

The NAHT also said it was concerned that the Bill could strengthen the Secretary of State’s powers to close schools.

Mr Hobby said: “Any attempt to make it easier for the Government to order the closure of schools is going to ring alarm bells for school leaders.”

Mr Corbett agreed closing schools should be avoided if possible.

He said: “I think in Worcestershire where schools have got into difficulties the best way schools have got out of them is through support from other schools and the local authority.

“So rather than talking about closing schools it’s about all of us pulling together to support the schools that are having problems.”