Assaults on teachers in Merton drops to zero

In 2012/13 not a single report of violence or verbal abuse toward a teacher by a pupil was reported, according to a freedom of information request by the Wimbledon Guardian.

This has fallen from nine incidents of physical abuse in 2008/9, two reports of physical abuse and one of verbal in 2009/10, four incidents of physical abuse in 2010/11 and four physical assaults in 2011/12.

Physical assaults include punching, slapping, head-butting, hair pulling and kicking.

In contrast schools in Sutton reported a massive 434 incidents of staff being physically assaulted during the same five year time period.

Councillor Martin Whelton, cabinet member for education, said: "I think any assault within a school is regrettable.

"We have had no incidents in the past year and no permanent exclusions and 85 per cent of our schools are rated good or outstanding for behaviour.

"Clearly there are the appropriate report mechanisms when incidents do arise.

"Staff get the training and support to deal with incidents when they arise.

"These figures are very good but we are never complacent about the matter because any assault on a school teacher is extremely regrettable.

"I'm delighted with the good behaviour throughout Merton schools."

Number of assaults recorded at primary, secondary and special schools in Merton. 

• 2008/9 - 9 incidents (9 physical assaults) 4 schools with 1 reported physical assault.

1 school with 3 reported physical assaults.

1 school with 2 reported physical assaults.

• 2009/10 3 incidents (2 physical assault, 1 verbal abuse)

2 schools with 1 reported physical assault.

1 school with 1 reported incident of verbal abuse.

• 2010/11 4 incidents (4 physical assaults)

2 schools with 1 reported physical assault.

1 school with 2 reported physical assaults.

• 2011/12 4 incidents (4 physical assaults) 2 schools with 1 reported physical assault.

1 school with 2 reported physical assaults.

• 2012/13 0 Incidents

TODAY'S TOP MERTON STORIES