School violence

As well as being reported regularly in our national newspapers, we now have violence in local schools, featured on the front page of today’s Border Telegraph [April 10]: ‘SBC vows to meet union over levels of violence in schools’.

As a local issue it shows us how serious it has become and non-teaching staff feature prominently in this article.

More than 55 per cent of this group stated they experienced or witnessed violence multiple times a week, and more than 85 per cent reported experiencing/witnessing slapping or punching, with that number up to 88 per cent for kicking.

Worryingly, the survey found that less than half reported such incidents, possibly for fear of reprisal or perceived inaction.

Of those that did report, the majority did not receive any feedback from their employers.

Elsewhere, the number of pupils with ASN (additional support needs) has almost doubled in 10 years.

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC) – which is an alliance of charities, schools and care providers – finds it devastating there are cuts in spending to support ASN pupils and feel the Scottish Government need to adequately resource the provision of specialist teachers, educational psychologists and classroom assistants.

Given the impact of COVID-19 and the cost-of-living crisis, we are facing a lost generation of children with

ASN.

Worsening poverty and poor mental health have caused rising numbers with three categories of ASN pupils – pupils who have English as an additional language, those with moderate learning difficulties, and lastly, but by no means least, pupils with social and behaviour needs.

When all these pupils grow into adults and don’t receive the help they need now, there will be further problems.

They will continue to suffer from poor mental health and may not be able to join the workforce.

Another crisis waiting happen and will the NHS be there for them?

Sheila E. Richards Melrose