Talks held between union and council over pupil violence

"Collaborative" talks have been held with Aberdeen education bosses after violent pupil behaviour in schools was highlighted in a report, Scotland's largest teaching union has said.

Teachers had told BBC Scotland News they were traumatised, feared for their safety and were scared to go to work.

The EIS called for urgent intervention by Aberdeen City Council.

The union said it had met officials and was now involved in drafting an action plan.

The union's report found that nearly half of teachers surveyed reported violent pupil behaviour in school every day, with more than a third saying they had been physically assaulted.

The EIS report's recommendations include calls for a clear and comprehensive policy on violent and aggressive behaviour, carrying out a review of the way incidents are being reported, drawing up agreed response plans, and providing "specific and defined" support for teachers.

The council recently announced it was introducing a "whistleblowing" form for teachers, after the report suggested teachers were being encouraged not to report incidents in a drive to keep down exclusions.

EIS Aberdeen branch secretary Ron Constable said: "The council has produced an action plan which they are consulting with us on. We are working collaboratively with other sister trade unions to add to that plan.

"It's very early days, and there are some challenges around our recommendations that the council has to take on board.

"Basically, we want to collectively agree that there are issues in schools and that they need to be addressed."

Councillor Martin Greig, convener of Aberdeen City Council's education committee, said: "I'm glad we are moving forward to respond as best as we can to the EIS survey.

"I think it's good that we are now trying to get around the table and speak to each other.

"We're looking at the best interests of teachers, support staff, everyone in the school community and the interests of the young people themselves."

The action plan is due to be considered by councillors at an education committee meeting on 30 April.