Pupil attacks on South East teachers 'horrifying'

Matt Wrack, the general secretary of the NASUWT teaching union, said it was "horrifying to hear that multiple teachers in the South East have reported experiencing suffering serious injuries".

"Sadly this is borne out by our own data where teachers report being bitten, kicked and punched while teaching," he added.

"Pens, scissors and even tables have been used as weapons."

Mr Wrack said the problem was worse in secondary schools, but they were also seeing an increase in this behaviour from primary pupils.

"It's frankly outrageous that teachers have started to see this as just part of the job," he said.

The government has announced a review into behaviour in schools.

"We need counsellors in every school and an increase in alternative provision for pupils with higher needs," added Mr Wrack.

Former teacher Marie Gentles, who is an education consultant and behaviour adviser, said: "We need to understand the reasons behind the behaviours.

"I do think some of it is linked to unmet need around special educational needs and mental health."

A DfE spokesperson said: "As part of our Plan for Change, we are committed to turning the tide on poor behaviour, breaking down barriers to opportunity and ensuring every child can achieve and thrive.

"We've wasted no time in tackling the root causes of poor behaviour, including by providing access to mental health support in every school, making sure every child gets the fuel they need to learn through free breakfast clubs and expanding free school meals, and launching our new Attendance and Behaviour Hubs which will directly support the 500 schools that need the most help."