Shock findings of violence in Borders schools

Staff have reported experiencing physical violence.

Now, Scottish Borders Council is being urged to take immediate action over violence in local authority schools after new figures were published in the report by Unison Scotland.

The report is based on a survey of education support staff and it paints a troubling picture of violence in educational settings across the Borders.

The union surveyed views from Additional Needs Assistants (ANAs), Early Years Practitioners (EYPs), and other essential education support roles.

Over 9 in 10 respondents (95%) reported experiencing or witnessing physical violence, ranging from verbal abuse, and even kicking and punching.

The union says the council must take immediate proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of staff and students.

Kaymarie Hughes, Unison Borders branch secretary, said: “These findings are shocking. School staff should not have to face violence and aggression in their workplace. Scottish Borders Council must address this issue to the ensure safety and well-being of their staff.

“Unison has proposed a series of recommendations aimed at addressing workplace violence effectively, which could be actioned now. These include enhanced training and guidance for staff, improved ways staff can feedback, better risk assessments, and ways to support staff who need to report incidence.

“We are also asking Scottish Borders Council to sign up to Unison’s Violence at Work Charter, which commits employers to creating a safe and supportive work environment, free from violence and aggression.”

A significant majority of respondents reported experiencing violence multiple times a week, emphasising the serious nature of the issue.

Despite the prevalence of violence, less than half of respondents reported incidents they experienced or witnessed, indicating potential under-reporting fuelled by fear of reprisal or perceived inaction.

The majority of respondents did not receive feedback from their employer after reporting incidents, with many expressing dissatisfactions with the employer’s outcome, “highlighting a gap in resolution processes”.

A spokesperson for SBC, said: “The wellbeing and safety of all our staff is a priority for the Council. We will be meeting with Unison to discuss the survey and we welcome any constructive steps we can take to ensure our staff are supported in the workplace”.