Nadhim Zahawi, the Education Secretary, said that there are “areas across the country where high standards are not being met”.

“Education is at the heart of this Government’s plans to level up, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed no matter where they grow up or what their background,” he said.

“While the majority of children already learn in a calm and well-maintained classroom, and some learn at home with dedicated parents, there are areas across the country where high standards are not being met.

“It is my priority to make sure every child gets the start in life they deserve, which is why I’m announcing clearer guidance to help every school boost behaviour and new legislation to create the first local authority register for children not in school.”

Paul Whiteman, the general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, welcomed the introduction of a register for children not in schools, but criticised the new guidance on behaviour as “unhelpful”.

He said: “We need to remember that in the vast majority of schools, there are no major issues when it comes to behaviour, and that schools already have strong systems in place for supporting good behaviour.

“The Government’s current obsession with being seen to ‘talk tough’ on behaviour is frankly unhelpful. Instead, what the Government should be focusing on is making sure that vital support services are available to support schools and pupils when they need it.”