Tauranga teachers will have another weapon in their tool box with newly-released guidelines for the search and seizure of drugs and weapons in schools.

Education Minister Anne Tolley says the guidelines are the first of their kind and were developed by the Ministry and external legal advisers following calls from the sector for clear advice on how to legally deal with students suspected of carrying drugs and dangerous items.

Anne says widespread consultation took place with sector groups before the guidelines were finalised.

'The vast majority of our students are well-behaved.

'However, schools wanted more support in dealing with challenging behaviour involving weapons and drugs, as they are required to provide a safe environment for all students and staff.”

Western Bay of Plenty Regional Chair of PPTA, Jason Smythe says members welcome thoughtful and coherent change in the education section.

However, he is sceptical and says changes are usually due to political point scoring as opposed to what is in the best interest of students.

Anne hopes the new guidelines should give principals and teachers more confidence to pre-empt and deal with difficult situations.

$60 million is being invested in the plan.

This is to allow over 7000 teachers to receive additional training in effective classroom management.

'On top of this, staff from 400 schools are receiving training in how to promote positive behaviour and lift student engagement, while more than 15,000 parents in at-risk families are being supported to build more positive relationships with their children,” says Anne.

Other support for schools includes a new rapid response service following the most extreme behaviour incidents, and an Intensive Behaviour Service to target the most complex and challenging students.

'This will allow teachers to manage any disruptions, and get on with the important job of lifting achievement.

'I have also instructed the Ministry to investigate changes to legislation which will give schools even greater support in what is a complex legal area.”