“This report reflects what we regularly hear from school and college leaders about the increased prevalence of difficult behaviour by pupils and students, and challenging interactions with parents, including a stream of vexatious complaints. The hostility to which education staff are subjected on a routine basis puts them under intense emotional pressure and is extremely damaging to their wellbeing.
“Pupil behaviour is often linked to unmet special educational needs. The system is in a state of complete crisis with long waits for assessments, and shortages in funding and specialist support. As a result, behavioural issues escalate which could have been nipped in the bud with earlier intervention. The system urgently requires sufficient funding from the government along with a laser-like focus on fixing the problems.
“This is vital for the children concerned and – as this report shows – it is also vital for the welfare of teachers and leaders.
“Something must also be done about the complaints culture which has exploded over the past few years. Parental complaints are often made not just to the school but to many other agencies too and are then amplified on social media. It is hugely stressful and time-consuming.”