Amended Motion 31
Addressing Rising Violence in Schools
“That this Congress believes that violence against school staff in Scotland is a significant problem, with reports showing high instances of physical and verbal abuse, especially in primary schools, leading to injuries, sickness, and staff exiting the profession.
“A 10-year period to March 2024 saw 490 reported violent injuries to school staff in Scotland, the highest rate in Britain. And instances of violence continue to rise. 25% of headteachers, 8% of teachers, and 19% support staff experienced violence towards them or others, and two-thirds of staff report this happening among primary aged children.
“Congress notes that the vital support services that surround schools have been hollowed out by years of cuts, meaning pupil needs aren’t met, often resulting in frustration, aggression and violence.
“The government recommended ‘restorative’ approach to behaviour management in Scotland, that promotes dialogue rather than traditional disciplinary measures must be backed up with real consequences for poor behaviour
“Congress believes that all staff members should be safe at work and should not be put at risk by aggressive and sometimes violent pupils.
“Congress is further concerned by the lack of enforcement by the HSE where employers consistently fail to protect their workforce.
“Congress calls on the STUC General Council to:
- gather data on the impact on school staff who are affected by these incidents and raise awareness of violence towards staff in early years and primary settings;
- urge local authorities and schools to encourage the recruitment of more Union Health and Safety reps and to work with them to have robust risk assessments to manage violent incidents and ensure that staff and pupils are kept safe;
- Urge the HSE to proactively inspect workplaces and take effective enforcement action.
- call for appropriate funding to meet the requirements of pupils with additional needs, both inside schools and through health and social care provision; and
- ensure that there are sufficient specialist and alternative places for pupils who cannot be safely educated in mainstream schools.”
Mover: Community
Seconder: NASUWT
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