NABMSE questions use of the word “assault” when describing the distressed behaviour of children with complex needs
A recent survey by the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) revealed that 58% of primary school teachers in Ireland have experienced physical aggression in the classroom. A total of 7,454 days were missed by teachers and SNAs following assaults in 2023. That was an increase on a figure of 5,859 from 2022.
Furthermore, figures obtained from the Department of Education by Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns show that a total of 412 teachers across primary and secondary schools, along with SNAs took assault leave of up to three months last year.
The National Association of Boards of Management in Special Education (NABMSE) has offered its full support to all its schools and Boards of Management.
Eileen O’Rourke, General Secretary of NABMSE says that staff in special schools and classes “are extremely dedicated and committed” to the education and care of their students, who frequently have complex needs.
However, she says that describing the behaviour of a vulnerable child exhibiting distress in school as an “assault” should be “reconsidered”.
“This is not to minimise the injuries which SNAs, teachers or family members may suffer, but it is wrong to criminalise children whose distressed behaviour may unintentionally result in injury to another person,” the General Secretary of NABMSE added.
Ms. O’Rourke said that the term “accidental” or “occupational injury” should be used instead of a term which she notes could “demonise a child who cannot be held responsible for the injuries they may cause.”
When a child exhibits this behaviour, she pointed out that schools “urgently” need extra staff to help safeguard the vulnerable child, other children in the classroom, and the adult staff working with them.
“However, the process of applying for extra staff and support can be slow and cumbersome and may be unsuccessful, leaving schools trying to cope as best they can,” Eileen O’Rourke added. The staffing ratio of 1:6 is no longer relevant as children present with more complex needs and should be revised as a matter of urgency. NABMSE strongly advocates staffing allocations which are more flexible and responsive to difficult contexts.
Noting that that working with children and young people with complex needs can be “very challenging” Ms. O’Rourke added that the “lack of therapy services and supports to date has “greatly impacted the wellbeing and progress” of vulnerable children.
“The lack of respite services is also having a hugely detrimental effect on families who are struggling to access the support they need,” she added.
“NABMSE continues to support schools who work with children and young people with complex needs. We look forward to the introduction of the NCSE Educational Therapy Support Service, which will be outlined in more detail at the NABMSE annual conference on October 10th and 11th at the Hodson Bay Hotel in Athlone. However, NABMSE strongly recommends that this pilot scheme is extended far beyond the 16 schools currently proposed, as the need in so many of our schools is evident and urgent.
“The Department of Education Guidelines for Behaviour of Concern, and the accompanying training programme which will also be discussed at our conference, should also provide positive support for schools in challenging situations.” NABMSE urges the DE to publish the guidelines as soon as possible, with a concurrent rollout of training for all staff working with vulnerable children in our schools.
‘We will continue to work with our education partners, the NCSE, and the Department of Education to gain efficient and effective provisions of staff, training and equipment for the most vulnerable children and young people in our care’.
Eileen O’Rourke concluded.