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Motion · S6M-17158 · 9 Apr 2025

Violence Against Teachers and the Need for Urgent Action in Scotland's Schools

Lodged by Stephen Kerr (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party) Standard Motion 22 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament notes with deep concern the findings of the recent NASUWT survey, which suggests that nearly half of all female teachers in Scotland have experienced physical violence or abuse at work in the last year; acknowledges that 27% reported being hit or punched, and many more report being subject to regular verbal, physical and sexist abuse from pupils; understands that these alarming findings come at a time when official pupil suspension rates are falling, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of current school behaviour policies; understands that there are growing concerns from teachers and parents that the presumption of mainstreaming, while well intentioned, might, in some cases, be contributing to a decline in classroom safety when not supported by adequate resources and specialist provision; considers that teachers have a right to work in a safe and respectful environment, and calls on the Scottish Government to develop urgently a national action plan to address violence and misogyny in schools, review the impact of mainstreaming on classroom safety and work with teaching unions, local authorities and parents to restore discipline, uphold professional authority and ensure that schools are safe for all staff and pupils.

Supporters (22)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.