A recent survey conducted by the Department for Education in May 2023 has highlighted a concerning trend in England, where only 39% of secondary school pupils feel safe at school daily, a drop from previous ratings. The survey, which involved 2,521 students, 1,478 teachers, and 780 school leaders, also noted a decline in schools being described as “calm and orderly”.

Further compounding these concerns, there was a violent incident at Amman Valley School in Wales involving the stabbing of two teachers and a pupil, which added urgency to calls for enhanced safety measures in schools. Patrick Roach from the NASUWT called for significant government action to protect school staff and students.

In response to the safety and behaviour issues, the Department for Education cited measures such as banning mobile phones and a £10 million Behaviour Hubs programme aimed at fostering a supportive school environment. Pepe Di’Iasio from ASCL stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of behavioural issues and the role of parental support in this context.

Additionally, a School Leaders Survey by Browne Jacobson has indicated a rise in complaints and aggressive behaviour from parents towards school staff in the UK since the Covid-19 pandemic, affecting staff wellbeing and educational quality. Hugh Greenway highlighted a dramatic increase in complaints since the pandemic, with many issues catalysed by societal shifts and the ease of online grievance airing.

The survey also touched on the challenges faced by children with special needs during the pandemic, exemplified by Erin, a 14-year-old from Oldham. Delays in obtaining an autism assessment due to the pandemic meant she lacked adequate support at Newman Roman Catholic College. The increase in children requiring special education plans post-pandemic has stretched resources, highlighting a need for system-wide adjustments to better support these students.

These findings from different surveys and incidents reflect a multitude of challenges currently facing the educational sector in the UK, ranging from safety concerns to increased demands on staff and resources to support children with special needs.