Teachers get advice on violence

Teachers are increasingly concerned about violent pupils

A teachers' union is so concerned about the growing incidents of violence and disruption in schools, it has issued its members with new guidance for their own protection.

For the first time, diaries sent to all National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) members this week will outline how teachers can best tackle the problem.

It is unacceptable that teachers should face violence at work

Eamonn O'Kane, NASUWT

The guidelines urge teachers to report all incidents of actual or threatened assault or criminal damage to the police.

The advice also recommends staff be given training in avoiding and managing dangerous situations.

The NASUWT calls on head teachers to introduce a code of "zero tolerance" towards pupils who have been excluded

And parents who have been abusive or violent towards staff should be banned from school premises.

A failure by schools to put in place adequate protection for teachers may lead to risk assessments for violent and disruptive pupils and a refusal to teach those who pose a real danger, the union warns.

Violent pupils

NASUWT general secretary Eamonn O'Kane said: "It is unacceptable that teachers should face violence at work."

"NASUWT guidance highlights options available to limit the threat. By including this in the diary, every member can carry round details of the steps necessary to protect themselves in school.

"Although the numbers of pupils excluded last year went up for the first time in the past six years, NASUWT remains concerned that governing bodies continue to readmit violent and disruptive pupils."

Last month the Department for Education issued posters to all schools in England warning parents they faced prosecution if they threatened or abused staff.

The posters, similar to those found in hospitals and on public transport, were accompanied by a "toolkit" setting out the legal position on parental violence.