Teachers 'still vulnerable' to verbal and physical attacks despite behaviour plan
The Scottish government has issued guidance on tackling the major issues in Scotland’s classrooms
Scotland’s teachers are still struggling with classroom violence two years on from the publication of a national action plan.
The Scottish government has published an update on the Behaviour Action Plan designed to tackle the rising issues in schools.
However, union bosses said the plan has failed to minimise the problem.
The two year review was published alongside new guidance on tackling poor attendance, substance use and racism in Scotland’s classrooms.
Matt Wrack, General Secretary of teaching union NASUWT, said: “While we welcome the publication of new guidance for schools on tackling the issues of attendance, substance abuse and racist incidents in schools, the fact remains that nearly two years on from the launch of the Behaviour Action Plan we are still receiving regular reports from teachers across Scotland about incidents of serious violence and abuse in schools.
“It is clear that too many schools are failing to put into practice the measures set out in the plan and that teachers are continuing to be left vulnerable to verbal and physical attacks from pupils, as well as lower level disruption which affects their ability to teach and of pupils to learn.”
The union called for “stronger mechanisms” to ensure consistent expectations on pupil behaviour Scotland-wide.
The guidance for school attendance sets out that pupils asked for national messaging that “avoids ‘ableist’ assumptions linking attendance to worth”.
It adds: “Schools should consider their approach sensitively and engage regularly with children, young people, parents and staff to consider inclusive strategies that foster engagement and support attendance.”
As well as soft starts, reduced timetables and breakfast clubs, schools should consider “whether aspects of the physical environment, such as bell volume, lighting, noise levels, and access to open spaces, could be adjusted to reduce anxiety and help children and young people feel more comfortable”.
The guidance notes the increase in young people who are attending school but not attending classes and instead “move unsupervised around the school premises”.
It adds that schools must provide adequate supports for pupils who feel overwhelmed, anxious or are struggling to keep pace with lessons.
Schools are also advised to increase visible staff presence in corridors.
While alcohol is the most commonly used substance among young people, the government notes that vaping is now more common than cigarette smoking.
Cannabis use in Scotland is above international averages.
Meanwhile, the anti-racism guidance details how to set up a “whole-school” approach to stopping pupils being “adversely racialised”.
Mike Corbett, NASUWT Scotland National Official, added: “It is a tribute to the persistence of our black members and black teachers across Scotland that we now have guidance which explicitly recognises that racism and racist incidents in schools remains a problem and, importantly, that it is the responsibility of every school to take active steps to challenge racism.”
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “The challenges of the post-Covid-19 generation of young people is reflected in the updated guidance on attendance to deal with the use of part-time timetables, long-term, persistent absence, as well as young people who are in school but absent from classes.
“The action we are taking will help ensure that teachers and schools can deal with issues in ways that are appropriate and also respond to the needs of each individual child.”
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