Teachers to seek improvements to assault leave scheme
Carmel Browne, the president of the Irish National Teachers' Organisation, speaking to delegates at the union's annual congress in Galway on Monday. Picture: Moya Nolan
Primary school teachers are to campaign for better supports for those injured in traumatic physical incidents in classrooms or on school yards amid a sharp increase in injuries.
Almost 1,000 delegates attended the first day of the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) annual congress in Galway on Monday, many of them primary school or special education teachers.
Too many teachers are being left to cope alone after sustaining injuries in the classroom, delegates heard.
Following a motion held in private session and passed unanimously, the union is now to campaign for comprehensive reform of the current assault leave scheme for teachers.
As previously highlighted by the more than 1,300 teachers and special needs assistants (SNAs) have taken assault leave since 2020 after sustaining a physical injury during their course of their duties.
Special education teacher Sophie Cole, from Carrigaline, has been highlighting gaps in the current assault leave available for those injured at school.
Ms Cole has since been diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome, acknowledged as one of the world’s most painful conditions for which there is no known cure, following a classroom assault in 2022.
A survey published by the INTO last year found that almost 60% of teachers reported experiencing physical aggression in the classroom.
This included a “staggering” 96% of special school teachers, and 61% of those in mainstream schools with special classes.
Incidents reported included scratching, punching, biting and the throwing of objects.
The survey also found that many teachers feel a moral obligation to continue working despite injury or fear, and that a lack of awareness — as well as fear of stigma or professional consequences — is preventing teachers from reporting incidents.
Speaking in support of the motion debated on Monday, teacher Áine McGinley said that teaching is a “calling for many, but I also know that some of you have faced moments that no teacher ever should — being assaulted while doing your job”.
“That experience is not just physically painful; it can be emotionally devastating, isolating and with long-lasting effects.”
“The assault leave scheme must be extended, and it must be flexible.”
No two people respond to trauma the same way and trauma does not follow a timetable, she added.
“Some individuals may need time immediately, while others may need leave weeks or months later as psychological impact sets in.”
Teachers should never have to accept physical aggression as part of their job, said INTO general secretary John Boyle.
“We must be clear: The children are not to blame. But teachers cannot be expected to manage crisis situations alone.”
“Without immediate action, we risk further endangering the wellbeing of our teaching workforce and compromising the care and education of the very pupils who need the most support.”
The union is now to campaign for an improved assault leave scheme, including time extensions, access to counselling and remuneration.
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