More than 1 in 4 Aberdeen teachers report being assaulted

A teaching union has called for a meeting with Aberdeen City Council after more than a quarter of staff reported suffering violent attacks in just one year.

A survey of 3,000 EIS members, part of an investigation led by the union into violence in Aberdeen schools, found 28% of teachers reported being assaulted in the 2018/19 academic year.

The most common form of assault was kicking, which occurred in 47% of cases, followed by punching - seen in 41% of incidents.

Teachers also reported being bitten, spat on and hit with an object by pupils.

The research also found 57% of teachers reported being assaulted in the past five years.

Nearly a fifth of teachers also told the union that violence was seen as a "daily occurrence''.

The survey found 53% of teachers also reported being verbally abused as part of their job.

As a result of the threat of violence or abuse, more than 45% of teachers surveyed reported they had considered leaving the profession and 37% said it had impacted on their health and wellbeing.

Ron Constable, secretary of the local EIS branch, said: "Teaching staff should never have to go to their employment with the fear of being verbally or physically abused, but it is clear from this survey that 18% of teachers are reporting that it is a daily occurrence in their schools.''

A spokesman for Aberdeen City Council said: "The safety of our teaching staff is of paramount importance to the council.

"Teaching and support staff in schools receive advice and guidance to ensure they are equipped to defuse situations and reduce levels of risk, with these arrangements kept under regular review.

"We engage regularly with trade unions and are committed to continuing that positive dialogue with a view to continuing to protect and support staff."