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Grim findings from Unison show nearly two-thirds (64%) of school support staff, such as teaching assistants and cleaners, say they have witnessed violence at work in the past year
School support staff are witnessing verbal abuse and violence every day, a survey warns today.
More than one in three (35%) said they saw verbal abuse at work on a daily basis, while a third (34%) saw pupils pushing each other and a quarter (26%) reported kicking and the throwing of objects as day-to-day issues. Overall, nearly two-thirds (64%) said they have witnessed violence at work in the past year.
The grim findings from Unison come as figures show the number of school suspensions has nearly doubled since before the pandemic, from 174,000 in autumn 2019 to 346,000 pupils last year. The number of children permanently excluded from school rose from 3,167 to 4,168 over the same period.
The UK-wide survey of almost 8,000 school workers, including teaching assistants, caterers and cleaners, paints a bleak picture of the challenges faced by some of the lowest-paid staff. More than seven in 10 (78%) are worried they won’t be able to afford their energy bills while 79% are concerned about food costs.
Respondents also said they are regularly expected to perform additional duties as stretched schools grapple with shortages of staff. Two-thirds (67%) said they put in extra unpaid hours every week, but almost three in five (59%) don’t feel valued. More than four in 10 (46%) said they are looking for another job.
Unison head of education Mike Short said: “Nobody should face abuse or witness violence at work. Sadly, for a staggering number of school support staff that is their daily reality. Tackling bad behaviour in school requires funding and extra staff, but this survey shows the opposite has happened in recent years.
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“The generosity and dedication of school support staff are to be applauded. But it is truly shocking that many are putting in extra unpaid hours and struggling to make ends meet. This can’t continue.”
He said support staff are vital to day-to-day running of schools – and to helping vulnerable pupils. Mr Short added: “The government’s decision to reinstate the school support staff negotiating body will finally mean recognition for the vital contribution made by teaching assistants, school meals workers, technicians. Importantly it should lead to improved pay and conditions, backed up by increased funding for schools.”
A Department for Education spokesperson said: “School support staff make a huge contribution to children’s education and the smooth running of our schools, and are crucial to our mission to drive high and rising standards across our schools, helping all children achieve and thrive.
“All school staff should feel safe and supported at work, and confident in being able to report concerns – and we expect school leaders as employers to take appropriate action to tackle any issues that are raised.
“We recently reinstated the School Support Staff Negotiating Body (SSSNB), which aims to make sure they are properly valued and respected as the professionals they are.”
