Schools may get pupil search powers

Sir Alan Steer, head of the Government's school discipline task force, will review the operation of existing powers for school staff to search pupils for weapons. Mr Balls asked Sir Alan to consider how the powers could be extended so teachers can search pupils for other illicit items.

In a letter to Sir Alan, head of Seven Kings High School in Ilford, Essex, the Schools Secretary said he wanted advice on how to make such wider search powers "workable".

Mr Balls said: "It would be helpful if you were able to take stock amongst fellow practitioners on the effectiveness of the right of teachers to search pupils for weapons.

"In light of this, I would grateful if you could advise me, consulting the drug and alcohol advisory group, on how best to extend schools' search powers to cover drugs, alcohol and stolen property, including how we can make these powers workable and effective."

Teachers' leaders said it was "logical" to consider extending search powers in the light of increases in drug use but warned staff must not be asked to search pupils against their will.

Steve Sinnott, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said: "The judgment on whether to search pupils must rest wholly, exclusively and entirely with the headteacher.

"No-one should be asked to do anything. This is about protecting teachers when they use their professional judgment to search. It is not about asking teachers to do anything new."

Headteachers welcomed the proposal.

John Dunford, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: "I would want headteachers to be able to search pupils for any kind of illicit products. Parents should be able to feel that their children are entirely safe and therefore I welcome any additional powers given to head teachers to remove from pupils items which have no place in schools."