Warning of 'classroom violence’ epidemic issued after more than 500 attacks by pupils on staff in Moray

A warning of an ‘epidemic of classroom violence’ across the country has been issued, after pupils attacked Moray school staff more than 500 times this year.

An FOI from the Scottish Conservatives revealed 1,142 violent incidents towards staff were recorded last year, with a further 1,275 occurring in 2023.

Some of the assaults, which took place across the region, involved knives, claw hammers, knuckle dusters and baseball bats.

The new figures released by Moray Council come as violence against teachers in Aberdeen schools saw a 25% rise in the past year.

Scottish Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands, Tim Eagle, believes there has been a “breakdown of discipline” and criticised the government’s approach when it comes to supporting teachers.

He said: “Teachers need to be given additional support to ensure they feel safe to carry out their duties in the classroom but not enough is being given.

“Across Moray, children deserve to learn in environments free from violence and disruption, and our teachers deserve to be protected from such horrifying incidents.

“The Scottish Government’s priority should be giving every child in Scotland the opportunity to succeed in life and that starts with reducing classroom violence, protecting teacher numbers, and driving up standards to benefit Moray’s future generation.”

Moray Council says it “takes the safety and wellbeing of all staff extremely seriously” and that they’re “actively working to address these challenges”.

A spokesperson said: “To support staff in their handling of an incident, and reduce incidents of violence, Moray Council has implemented enhanced reporting and monitoring; staff support and training; positive behaviour frameworks, including the CALM theory approach; targeted interventions; partnership working – working closely with parents, carers, Police Scotland, trade unions and community partners to ensure a coordinated response to behavioural issues both in and out of school.

“Since introducing this approach and changes to our Additional Support Needs offer, we have seen positive impacts and an overall reduction in violent and aggressive behaviour across our settings.

“While violent and abusive behaviour towards staff or pupils is completely unacceptable, understanding the context of the number of incidents is important. We’re committed to creating safe, respectful learning environments and will continue to support our schools and staff with the resources and strategies they need to ensure that every school in Moray is a safe place to learn and work.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson added: “Violence or abusive behaviour in our schools is completely unacceptable – it is important that schools are safe environments for staff and pupils alike.

“We are providing support and direction at a national level through our Relationships and Behaviour in Schools Action Plan. We have been working with a range of partners on new guidance on fostering positive, inclusive and safe school environment, including the use of consequences, which we will publish before the end of the school term.

“Local authorities have the statutory responsibility for delivery of education in Scotland and therefore are expected to implement this guidance at a local level.”