FOI Request - Violence in Schools

Request 101003870613

1.  Number of physical violent incidents involving pupils for every academic year from 2019 to 2025

2.  Number of reports of violence by pupils towards school staff in schools for every academic year from 2019 to 2025

3.  Any details of specific incidents involving physical violence from school pupils, including description of the incident, age of the children and what (if any) weapons were used

4.  The last time local policies and procedures on physical intervention for schools/teachers were reviewed/revised?

5.  Details of the restraint training/guidance provided to staff (if any)

Response 07-11-2025

1. We would have to read through thousands of files to get this information. This task would cost the Council in excess of £600 of staff time. In accordance with section 12 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (excessive cost), we are therefore unable to comply with this part of the request.

2. Based on the categories Physical Assault (Weapon) & Physical Assault (No Weapon)
2019/20 - 756
2020/21 - 690
2021/22 - 1147
2022/23 - 1819
2023/24 - 1850
2024/25 - 1920

3. We would have to read through thousands of files to get this information. This task would cost the Council in excess of £600 of staff time. In accordance with section 12 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (excessive cost), we are therefore unable to comply with this part of the request.

4. 2015 - The policy around Violence and Aggression is currently under review, in consultation with unions, and is due for publication later this academic year.  Physical intervention will be a separate policy which is also under review.

5. Restraint training/guidance is being reviewed as the authority has moved to CALM for its physical intervention training.