Teacher advice on pupil risks

The NUT teaching union has issued guidance to members on pupil behaviour and the appropriate response to it.

General secretary Doug McAvoy said "I am determined that members are not placed in a position where their confidence and effectiveness as teachers is undermined by the behaviour of pupils. The NUT will not hesitate to act to protect members who face violence or disruption from pupils or who face false allegations of abuse. Teachers and pupils want and deserve an environment in which they can work in peace and safety."

The NUT is calling on headteachers to exclude permanently, other than in exceptional circumstances, any pupils who require physical restraint because of their behaviour. On avoiding problems, the guidance advises that the physical restraint of a pupil should not be considered a regular or routine act and teachers should not feel obliged to intervene where there own personal safety is at risk, or where such an intervention could lead to accusations of either assault or child abuse.

The NUT expects headteachers to exclude pupils permanently where violence, sexual or racist abuse, health and safety risks and persistent malicious, disruptive behaviour are involved.