ALMOST two thirds of Fife teachers have considered quitting due to the rising levels of violence and aggression in their school. 

And 81 per cent of those who responded to a survey said that continuing physical and verbal abuse has impacted on their mental health and wellbeing, and led to an increase in staff absence. 

Yesterday Fife EIS (Educational Institute of Scotland) highlighted that 94 per cent of teachers have been subjected to violence and aggression and 61 per cent have been assaulted over the past four years, with 61 per cent admitted they've considered quitting.

The teaching union's publicity officer, Graeme Keir, stating: “These figures are a sad and worrying reflection of the state of many of our schools.

"Our branch survey published earlier in the year reported an increase in stress, anxiety and depression amongst teachers linked to violence and aggression.

"We have many vacancies for secondary school teachers, and fewer people wanting to train in key subject areas.

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"Our figures released today show the problem may be more serious than we previously understood with teachers leaving the profession at accelerated rates due to a deterioration of some pupil and parent behaviour.

"We already have some of the highest class sizes in Europe and some of the longest working hours which is making the problems difficult to solve."

Fife Council figures reveal that absence amongst teachers has increased with stress and mental health issues being amongst the highest reason for absence.

The EIS is the biggest trade union for teachers in Scotland and Mr Keir added: "Because we represent teachers, in this survey we’ve focussed on the impact the behaviour crisis has had on teachers, but further studies are needed to reveal the full impact of school based violence and aggression on pupils.

"The conditions in our schools must be addressed if we are to have all schools and all classes serving the needs of learners and their communities.

"No-one can learn in conditions of daily violence and aggression. Teachers are being asked to do the impossible because there are not enough specialist places and specialist staff.”

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In response to yesterday's figures, Donald MacLeod, Fife Council's executive director of education, said:  “This issue isn’t unique to Fife.  

"We know that teachers and school communities across Scotland are concerned about violent incidents in schools and it’s something we’re taking very seriously.   

"Any form of violence is unacceptable and we’re committed to safe working practices and training for our staff. 

"Some of our schools are facing specific challenges and we give targeted support to schools where or when it’s needed.

“Across our schools a huge amount of work is underway to tackle violence and we're working with partners including police, NHS Fife and the Fife Health and Social Care Partnership. 

"Together, we are putting together a number of different programmes, practices and actions in place.

“The safety and wellbeing of all our children and staff in every Fife school is a priority and we will continue to work with all our school communities to make sure our staff and young people have a positive experience at school.”