REVEALED: Nearly 60% of primary school teachers face physical aggression in class

58% of primary school teachers face physical aggression in their classrooms in the last year.

That is according to a recent survey carried out by the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO).

The survey examined the prevalence of physical aggression against primary teachers in mainstream schools, mainstream with special class, and special schools in the past 12 months.

A total of 440 participants completed the survey. 50% of those exposed to aggression sustained physical injuries, with 41% of those injured requiring medical attention. 

Only 4.7% of physical aggression incidents were formally reported to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and 11% of teachers effected missed more than three days of school as a result of physical aggressions. 

Responding to the findings of the survey, INTO general secretary John Boyle outlined that the findings point to a 'distressing reality faced by teachers' and highlight the need for 'comprehensive policy reforms in education and health support services'. 

"We are calling for education and health authorities to address the root causes of physical aggression in schools, which we believe is directly linked to the current shortfalls in children’s mental health and therapeutic services," Mr Boyle said.

"The survey sets out the stark reality of working life for many of our members, with some missing time out of school to recover from their injuries. Our members know it is not the fault of any particular child, but the consequence of a lack of wrap around services for our pupils in most need.”

This INTO survey’s accompanying report, which will be published in the coming weeks, will call for an overhaul of policy and practice within its recommendations, including: 

1. Enhanced funding for mental health services, therapeutic interventions, and educational supports for children to address the shortfalls contributing to aggression in schools. 
2. Provision of comprehensive training for teachers on managing aggression and supporting children with additional needs. 
3. Development and release of comprehensive guidelines and support frameworks for managing behaviours of concern, ensuring safety and supporting consistent incident management in schools.
4. The publication of the Department of Education’s long-awaited circular on an occupational injury scheme for teachers.
5. The national roll-out the School Inclusion Model which has been piloted for five years and is designed to deliver the right supports in school at the right time to students with additional care needs.