Increase in assaults on teachers in Bristol schools

The council says it has introduced a programme to tackle bad behaviour

More than 200 teachers in Bristol were assaulted by pupils in the past year according to figures obtained in a Freedom of Information request.

In total, 220 teachers were physically attacked in classrooms during 2008-2009 - the highest number in five years.

It has also emerged that permanent exclusions from secondary schools have almost doubled in the last 12 months - rising from 24 to 41.

The council said it was working to improve behaviour in the classroom.

'Kicked and punched'

Cliff Evans, from the teachers' union the NASUWT, said: "Just this week, I've had a phone call from a female member who was physically attacked by a girl.

"She was kicked, punched and thrown to the floor in a Bristol school.

"The school has done all it can. It has suspended the child while an investigation is pending.

It feels like you have no sanctions to stop the minor incidents so the only time we can act is when a major incident happens Cliff Evans NASUWT

"The teacher has to see a doctor and she has reported it to the police. This could result in another expulsion and obviously expulsion is not the answer.

"I think part of the problem is down to recent legislation. For example, minor situations are not being dealt with.

"We used to have things like detention. Now parents have to be asked about detention and if they object, then that sends out the wrong message.

"It feels like you have no sanctions to stop the minor incidents so the only time we can act is when a major incident happens."

Lynn Chamberlain, from Bristol City Council, said: "We've introduced a programme called Seal (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning) which covers the wider behaviours of children in a school setting.

"Actually it's very important for when they leave school and our parents are very supportive of these sorts of programmes and these sorts of learning experiences."