STAFF AT BREAKING POINT AS VIOLENCE SOARS

Support assistants are bearing brunt of attacks

- CHRIS McCALL

Union wants schools to record every single incident

SOARING violence in Scotland's schools is driving out dedicated staff - with classroom attacks a daily occurrence for many workers.

A survey by the GMB union of its members working in school support roles revealed one in five had reported violence as a daily issue, while warning that 60 percent of incidents were never recorded.

The union warned violence against classroom assistants and other support workers is leaving many on the brink of quitting.

Classroom assistant Karen Dennis spoke out yesterday on the level of threats and assaults endured by support staff and demanded urgent action to tackle the epidemic of classroom attacks.

Speaking at the STUC conference in Dundee, Karen said: "Without more safeguards and better reporting and investigation, our schools will lose excellent staff along with their skills and experience.

"They are working to give our young Scots the best possible education and life chances but everyone has a breaking point.

"Only urgent action and greater protection will stop many of our members reaching theirs."

The Record has led the way in calling for councils and the Scottish Government to get to grips with classroom violence as part of the Our Kids... Our Future campaign.

It comes as headteachers could soon be encouraged to ban mobile phones from their classrooms under guidance set to be issued by Jenny Gilruth, the Education Secretary.