From coming into contact with thousands of education workers throughout the year, we know that disruptive or threatening behaviour can be a concern for staff members throughout education.
Although violent incidents are rare, they can be extremely harrowing for those involved and the wider community. In addition, milder cases of threatening or persistently disruptive behaviour are a more common cause of problems for those working within adult, further and higher education.
Dealing with such behaviour can be very difficult both as it is happening and afterwards, emotionally. Remember CUSN is on hand if you need any help or advice on dealing with these issues via our free, confidential Support Line on 08000 32 99 52.
Nevertheless, it is important that education establishments offer clear, precise advice and guidance to their staff members on dealing with these kinds of problems, such as whom to talk to if a student’s behaviour is causing concern and guidance on how to interact with students exhibiting particular types of behaviour.
For those of you working in further education, the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill (ASCL Bill) entered Parliament last year and contains legislative changes that could affect how the use of restraint and force by staff members. The Bill is currently awaiting approval but proposes new powers on searching for alcohol, drugs and stolen items in FE institutions (and schools).
The Bill, if approved, could greatly affect the way that FE staff deal with disruptive students as it would extend existing powers to search them students for weapons to include illegal drugs, alcohol and stolen items.
In reaction to the Bill, College and University Support Network Chief Executive, Julian Stanley, said: "In our survey conducted last year, almost half of respondents disagreed with the introduction of searches and over two-thirds said they wouldn’t feel safe conducting such a search. It is paramount that teachers and all school staff feel safe within their working environment.”
If you are concerned about the new search powers or would like further information on the Bill, you can view our factsheet here.
For further information on your legal rights to use reasonable force, please click here to view our factsheet.
You may also find the below factsheet useful:
