An Aberdeen teacher has shared experiences of dreading going into work after dealing with pupil violence in the classroom.

It comes after teaching union EIS surveyed 774 of its Aberdeen members, with 38% reporting being physically assaulted by pupils.

The teacher – who has spoken out anonymously – explained it would sometimes be difficult to wake up in the morning after constantly worrying how to improve the situation: “You could have a plan in place but everything you think could help – doesn’t help.

“You go back to the drawing board to have a think but again it doesn’t work and the violent episodes are still happening. It’s a really vicious cycle.”

They continued to explain they feel it’s important to speak up about classroom violence as it’s a Scotland-wide issue and teachers shouldn’t feel alone.

The teacher added: “Every time we go into that classroom, we’re putting on an act. We’re putting on that show, that we are happy and bubbly but sometimes it’s actually the opposite.

“I think maybe a lot of people don’t want to say anything because they’re scared they might lose their job or they’re scared it might come back on them.”

In the EIS survey, which focused on Aberdeen teachers, it was suggested consequences for aggressive behaviour is ‘inconsistent’ and there is a perception it can instead be rewarded.

The teacher addressed incidents where a pupil would act violent and be removed from class but would be provided with a snack or a toy before being allowed back into the class a short while later.

This was said to cause teachers anxiety knowing the child was back in their class having faced no consequences.

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