FOI Request - Violence Against Teachers

Request 101003947584

1. Is there a definition for what constitutes violence against teachers in schools?

2. What is your recommendation for a teacher or classroom assistant to navigate physical abuse.

3. What year groups within schools that exhibit the worst levels of physical violence against teaching staff.

Response 23-03-2026

1. Moray Council Policy indicates as follows:

Definition of Violence

"Any incident in which an employee is abused, threatened or assaulted by a member of the public, pupil, service user or their family in circumstances arising out of the course of his or her employment".

This definition includes actual or threatened assault, physical and verbal abuse or harassment, or any form of aggression which a person would feel was distressing or intimidating.  As far as safety at work is concerned, violence is a broad term and perceptions of it will vary between victims and non victims.  

2. Heads of Service and Head Teachers have a duty to:

• Ensure that all employees are aware of and understand the document  - Dealing with Work Related Violence
• Ensure that suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out and regularly reviewed and updated and shared with appropriate staff
• comply with the agreed measures;
• take all reasonable precautions for the safety of themselves and others
• ensure that employees who have been subjected to work related violence or aggression are given appropriate and adequate support
• manage the effectiveness of control measures by the reporting, recording and investigation of all incidents.

All other SNCT staff and Associated Professionals have a duty to:

• familiarise themselves with the relevant policies, procedures and instruction
• take all reasonable precautions for the safety of themselves and others
• report any incident of Violence or Aggression
• include any relevant evidence
• comply with the agreed measures

3. Primary 5, 6, 7 & 8