105 attacks on staff at Sandwell schools in JUST six months
There have been 105 attacks on school staff in the Sandwell borough in a six-month period, new figures from a Freedom of Information request reveal.
The physical attacks by pupils and parents took place across secondary and primary schools from May to November last year.
Council bosses said it was a 'very serious matter' and everyone needed to work together to prevent such incidents.
Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for children's services, said: "We have 55,000 children in our schools, so these figures show that acts of violence and aggression against school staff are extremely rare.
"However, when they do occur, we take them very seriously.
"We strongly encourage schools to report incidents, so that behaviour can be managed and staff can be supported. These matters are also monitored and discussed with trade union safety representatives at the School Central Safety Committee.
"Schools are required to carry out risk assessments and develop behaviour plans to manage pupils with issues and we provide training and support to school staff.
"I consider this to be a very serious matter for teachers, staff and for parents and I can assure everyone that we will continue to do all we can to prevent such incidents."
General Secretary of Sandwell National Union of Teachers, Darren Barton, said: "Teaching is a very high pressured and stressful job. We make sure that we offer members the support needed through these difficult times if such incidents occur."
