I have worked as a Pupil Support Assistant, witnessing firsthand the severe impact that violent behaviour can have—not only on staff, but also on the pupils involved and others who witness such incidents. The fear and anxiety caused by repeated episodes of violence create an environment that is no longer conducive to either teaching or learning. Each day, my colleagues and I entered schools unsure of what challenges awaited us, and it took a toll on everyone—teachers and students alike.

Scotland faces a crisis in its educational institutions. According to recent reports, SCOTLAND holds the highest rate of violent injuries to school staff in Britain. This underscores the pressing need for innovative solutions to ensure the safety and effectiveness of educational environments. Disturbingly, Scottish pupils’ behaviour ranks among the worst globally, highlighting the extensive challenges in our mainstream classrooms. For instance, in 2024 alone, nearly 5,000 violent incidents were reported against school staff in Fife primary schools.

Mainstream schools are increasingly overwhelmed, struggling to address the needs of students with severe behavioural challenges. This inadequacy can adversely affect not only the children with these challenges but also their peers who share the same classroom. Without a targeted approach, the learning environment remains compromised, affecting everyone’s educational experience and future opportunities.

Specialist schools, such as Pupil Support Service schools, along with institutions like Pebbles, have demonstrated significant success in managing and supporting students with additional behavioural needs. These specialised educational settings offer tailored interventions that not only enhance educational outcomes but also foster safer environments for both students and staff.

We call on the Scottish Parliament to mandate that councils across Scotland reassess their education budgets. We need to allocate additional resources to further develop and support specialist and Pupil Support Service schools dedicated to children exhibiting violent or challenging behaviour. It's essential that these schools are equipped with adequate training, staffing, and resources to accommodate those who struggle in mainstream settings.

By drawing on existing specialist schools as models of best practice, we can ensure that more children facing substantial challenges can access the supportive educational environment they need. This not only promises better outcomes for these pupils but also reduces the strain on our mainstream schools.

The time to act is now. Join me in calling on our leaders to fund the creation and expansion of these vital educational institutions across Scotland. Sign this petition to create a future where every child can thrive safely, and every educator can work without fear. Your signature is a step toward ensuring a brighter, more secure educational landscape for all.