The number of violent attacks on teachers has risen by over a third over the past three years, according to figures released by the Welsh Conservatives this week.
The number of assaults on teachers rose by as much as 50% in some local authorities including Swansea, Blaenau Gwent and Rhondda Cynon Taff.
The figures, uncovered by Clwyd West AM, Darren Millar, show the number of pupil exclusions due to assault rose from 913 in 2007/08 to 1,234 in 2010/11.
Angela Burns AM, Shadow Minister for Education, said, “These are alarming figures, which lay bare the challenges facing teachers in the classroom.
“Teaching should be one of the most rewarding professions, but as these figures show, the threat of violence can make the job a misery.
“Aggression in the classroom is not only threatening for teachers, but also other pupils whose education is interrupted, damaging their prospects.
“Since 2007, the number of assaults on teachers has risen by a third and more than doubled in some areas.
“These figures demonstrate how successive Labour Education Ministers have failed to support teachers in restoring classroom discipline.
“The Welsh Labour Government needs to cut back on bureaucracy and work more closely with schools to remove troublesome students who are disrupting the education of the vast majority of young people.”
Assembly Member for Clwyd West, Darren Millar added, “No one should have to put up with threats of violence or aggression at work.
“Teachers across Wales do an outstanding job for our young people, but need to be supported so they can focus on what they do best – teach.”
