Displaying items by tag: pupil behaviour

A BBC-commissioned survey reveals a worrying trend in England's schools. Nearly one in five teachers experienced physical aggression from pupils this year. Incidents of spitting, swearing, and chair-throwing are increasingly common, with a rise in pupil violence and abuse since the Covid pandemic. Teachers like Lorraine Meah, with 35 years of experience, have observed a deterioration in student behaviour, especially among younger children. In response, schools like St John Fisher Catholic Academy in West Yorkshire are implementing strict behaviour policies, including rewards for good attendance, restricted corridor access, and banning mobile phones. The survey found that 30% of teachers witnessed pupil fighting, and 15% of secondary teachers experienced sexual harassment from students. Patrick Roach of the NASUWT union has said the rise in violence has been exacerbated by cuts to specialist behaviour and mental health services. The DfE is taking measures to improve pupil behaviour, including expanding mental health and wellbeing programmes.