A COUNCIL policy that seeks to combat violence and aggression against school staff has been welcomed by one of Swindon’s biggest unions.

GMB, the largest union in Swindon for school support staff, has praised the “landmark” policy designed to address the rising level of violence and abuse directed at school staff by pupils and parents.

The initiative, known as the Violence, Aggression and Anti-Social Behaviour Policy, was composed in response to a survey carried out by GMB in February.

The union inspected schools in Swindon and found that 42 per cent of staff had experienced violence in the last 18 months. Twenty-five per cent had been spat at and 46 per cent reported having suffered verbal abuse.

Andy Newman, GMB branch secretary, said: “Following the survey, GMB were extremely concerned that 25 per cent of staff reported they were afraid or apprehensive at work.

“We then held detailed discussions with Swindon Borough Council’s Health and Safety team, and we were surprised to discover that not only did Swindon Borough Council have no policy relating to violence against school staff, but we were unable to find any council in the country that had an adequate policy.”

The policy was finalised last month and Mr Newman said GMB are delighted that the council “took the issue very seriously”. He described the move as a big step forward.

The policy unambiguously states that violence, and aggressive and anti-social behaviour towards school staff is unacceptable, and sets out in detail the responsibilities of school governors, head teachers and other school managers, and of staff themselves, to manage and reduce risks.

It reads: “Swindon Borough Council considers violent and/or aggressive behaviour directed at staff not acceptable.

“We have a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to these behaviours and will endeavour to ensure the safety, protection and welfare of SBC staff at all times.”

The survey was initiated after a GMB member had their finger dislocated by an eight-year-old pupil and felt the school’s response was inadequate.

Leader of the council David Renard stressed just how seriously the council takes the welfare of staff and pupils.

He said: “I am grateful for Mr Newman’s comments and support on behalf of the GMB and I hope the Trades Union will continue to be an active partner in promoting workplace safety.

“Swindon Borough Council takes all aspects of education seriously and that means we want to provide safe environments for all – pupils, teachers, and support staff.”

Examples of violence and aggression laid out in the policy include, among others, kicking, scratching, tripping, swearing, bullying and sexual or racial harassment.

Mr Newman concluded: “In line with health and safety best practice, not only should all incidents be reported, but for very serious incidents where there is a potential for a life changing injury, then ‘near misses’ should also be reported.”

Schools should report such incidents to the council’s health and safety team.