Teachers' rights law takes effect

New legal powers for teachers and schools in England and Wales to restrain and discipline unruly pupils have come into effect.

The changes are intended to put an end to what teachers' unions call the "You can't tell me what to do" culture.

Previously, teachers had been allowed to restrain pupils under common law, with the same authority as parents.

But the new law explicitly states that teachers have the right to physically restrain and remove unruly pupils, and impose detention, including sessions outside school hours and on Saturdays.

Teachers will be able to discipline pupils outside school too - if they see children behaving badly on public transport, for instance.

The new powers are enshrined in the 2006 Education and Inspections Act - much of which comes into force on 1 April.