Abuse and physical violence towards staff in schools is increasing.
This includes physical assault as well as verbal abuse, threats, harassment, and malicious damage to property, caused by a pupil, colleague, parent, or member of the public.
Every member of staff has the right to work in a safe environment. This advice is for members, including support staff, reps and leaders to organise a collective response to all incidents of concern, and ensure the employer takes reports seriously.
The NEU model policy aims to establish a safe working environment for all.
Quotes from teachers who have experienced assault:
“As a main-scale teacher nothing has ever been done regarding my verbal or sexual assaults. In fact, seven years ago when I was repeatedly sexually assaulted by a year 10 boy, my headteacher recommended sending me on a training course so I’d know how to deal with sexual assault better ‘next time it happened’.”
“A colleague and I were assaulted while visibly pregnant in two separate incidents involving different students. Both students admitted targeting our midsections because they knew we were pregnant.”
“Misogyny towards female staff members from male pupils is increasing.”
“High levels of SEND which the school is not properly equipped to meet - as SENCo I am first responder to physical incidents which means I’m often in the line of fire.”