Teachers are discussing the need for stab vests and bodycams to deal with violence in schools, the head of a teachers' union has said.
Patrick Roach, general secretary of NASUWT, said there was a 'serious' problem of violence in schools, with 40 per cent of teachers witnessing a violent incident.
He told Times Radio that although some teachers were asking for more protection, he felt the issue needed to be addressed with extra support for the children and their families rather than by 'arming' teachers.
He said: 'The reality is that even within the school gates there is a problem of violence around the carrying of offensive weapons. And I know that many teachers are trying to work very hard to address those issues.'
'Violence, our members said in our behaviour survey, has increased significantly over the course of the last 12 months. 40% of teachers are saying that they have experienced or witnessed physical violent assault in their schools. That's serious.'
When asked whether teachers were calling for the introduction of stab vests, he said: 'We have had that being raised. I wouldn't say that it's the generality of our members have raised that as an issue.
'Whether it be stab vests, whether that be bodycams. This is part of a discussion which is taking place.
