JENNY Gilruth has announced the creation of a new summit focused on tackling violence in schools, following rising concerns about behaviour.
The Education Secretary was speaking during a Holyrood debate called by the Scottish Conservatives, who called for a “comprehensive plan” to tackle violence in schools.
Concerns have been raised in recent months after a number of videos circulated on social media showing violent outbursts from pupils.
Teachers and staff in Scotland’s schools faced more than 22,000 attacks in 2021/22, according to a report from the Sunday Mail in December.
The Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association (SSTA) said earlier this month that “many teachers feel unsafe at work and unsupported by employers”.
The MSP for Mid Fife and Glenrothes, herself a former teacher, said she will convene the summit in the coming weeks.
Speaking during the debate, Gilruth said: “I have been in post for two months now, and during that time I have made it absolutely clear that behaviour in schools is one of my top priorities.
“Children and young people must have every opportunity for successful learning that is unhindered by disruptive behaviour.
“I also want to make sure that teachers and school staff are working in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment. Any form of violence in our schools is completely unacceptable.
“No teacher or pupil should suffer verbal or physical abuse, and parents should be able to send their children to school knowing that they are safe.
“To that end, I’m looking forward to bringing together young people, parents and carers, schools, local authorities, unions, and campaigners to identify how we tackle the problem of violence and disruption in our schools.”
The Scottish Government added: “This will build on guidance provided to local authorities and on the £2 million of funding to support violence prevention activities within schools and communities.
“Education Scotland will also work with every local authority to identify good practice in behaviour and relationships, sharing the findings with schools across the country.”
Scottish Conservative education spokesperson Stephen Kerr welcomed the announcement of the summit, but pushed for more action.
This included calling for a comprehensive action plan to tackle classroom violence before the start of the new school year and a funding package to help both victims and perpetrators of violence.
He added that a new national helpline should be set up to support teachers and staff.
Kerr also called on MSPs to note “the impact that the current escalation of violence in schools has had on the teaching profession, especially in relation to retention and mental health.”
The summit has also been welcomed by the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), the largest teaching union in the country.
EIS general secretary Angela Bradley said “tangible results” must follow.
“This summit is an important first step, with which Scotland’s teachers will be keen to engage,” she said.
“It must not be just a talking shop, set up to give the appearance of taking action.
“This summit must produce tangible results to ensure the safety of all in our schools and improve the learning and teaching environment for students and staff alike.
“The EIS is now awaiting further detail from the Scottish Government on how this event will proceed.”
