The number of pupil exclusions for assaults on school staff has risen by 50 per cent over the last six years.
That’s according to the Welsh government’s most recent figures – obtained by the Welsh Conservatives.
793 exclusions were handed out in 2004/5.
In 2009/10, the figure stood at 1186.
In a response to a written question from the Leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Assembly, Andrew RT Davies AM, the Education Minister said an assault on a member of school staff is only recorded centrally if a pupil is excluded as a result.
18 Local Education Authorities have seen increases in the number of exclusions since 2004/05. Three have seen decreases.
During 2009/10, Cardiff and Caerphilly had the highest number of exclusions and Anglesey and Ceredigion the lowest.
Mr Davies said: “Teachers – and children – have every right to expect their schools to be a safe and respectful environment.
“This rise in exclusions is incredibly worrying – not just for the obvious necessity of teacher safety – but for pupil success as well. Where staff are reaching their full potential, children are plainly going to reap the benefits.
“New violent crime reduction powers came into effect here last year – and while that’s very welcome – it’s quite clear there is an awful lot of work to do, just to get this problem back to 2004 levels.”
Shadow Minister for Education, Angela Burns AM, said: “This is a serious issue that should be tackled both at government and community level.
“If parents and teachers work together to create safe and stable environments, everyone will benefit. The Welsh Labour government needs to work closely with schools to make sure that’s happening.
“Where assaults on staff have dropped, lessons should be learned.
“If a pupil is temporarily excluded for assault – I would also expect an appropriate programme to be undertaken by them – before they are re-included.
“While this kind of behaviour is obviously not a problem in every classroom – or every school – where it happens, we are also in danger of losing talented teachers from the profession.
“This is a big issue on a number of levels – and it needs to be controlled.”
