I’ve been hit. And It’s not unusual

I’ve been hit on the arms and body and had items thrown at me. It’s not unusual.

There have been cases where a pupil involved in something like this is taken for some kind of treat - such as a takeaway meal – to show them how nice things can be if they behave.

In effect, they are actually being rewarded for bad behaviour. The whole situation with discipline is awful.

Many teachers I know have been physically attacked at some point. The tools teachers have to deal with such behaviour are “restorative chats”.

If it’s a primary school pupil, they have five minutes of their golden time – a period where they can choose their own activity – removed.

Things have got to the point where I have a sense of fear going into school every day and I know there are many others who feel the same.

You don’t know what you might have to deal with.