Current status: Answered by Natalie Don-Innes on 1 April 2025
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reports of some teachers requesting self-defence classes due to the prevalence of violence in schools.
It is the Government’s understanding that Freedom of Information requests recently released by Scotland’s Councils found that only two teachers across Scotland have made this request, whilst fifteen other Councils that responded said no requests have been made.
Our approach is focused on creating safe and nurturing schools, prioritising prevention and de-escalation of distressed behaviour.
Teachers and pupil support staff should be supported through their school’s relationships and behaviour policy. Arrangements for de-escalation and support should be provided to them where situations do escalate.
This is a view shared by some of our teaching unions, including NASUWT and the SSTA.