Education
(a) How many educators were attacked in the (i) 2015/16 and (ii) 2016/17 financial years and (b) what is her Department doing to ensure the safety of educators?
(a) Schools reported the following number of assaults of teachers by learners to the Safe Schools Call Centre:
- 2015: 22
- 2016: 34
Detailed statistics on assaults by any other individuals are not available.
(b) The Western Cape Education Department applies various measures to prevent and deter assaults on teachers.
Every school must have a safety committee responsible for implementing a safety plan to safeguard both learners and teachers, assisted by the WCED’s Safe Schools division, as required.
These measures must include preventing access by potential assailants from the school property.
Every school must a code of conduct to govern learner behaviour. Assault is regarded as serious misconduct in terms of Section 3 (1) (b) of regulations published in terms of the Western Cape Provincial School Education Act (Act 12 of 1997).
Learners should be well aware of the code of conduct and the sanctions applied to breeches, especially for assault.
Our district offices and other components arrange regular positive behaviour programmes at schools and provide ongoing advice and assistance, as required.
Our district offices also provide training and guidelines on managing and changing behaviour to teachers. The guidelines include a clear statement on the rights of the teacher.
Teachers have every right to lay criminal charges against an assailant, and will receive the support of the department in doing so.
The department views any assault of a teacher in a very serious light. Those found guilty of assaulting a teacher can expect dire consequences.
