Children are abusing teachers every seven minutes in the Eastern Region according to a survey conducted in 2,500 schools in the region by the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers.

During the survey there were 32 incidents that took place in Essex. Now Cllr Iris Pummell, the County Council's cabinet member for children's services and schools is blaming poor parenting.

"I am very disappointed by the news," she said. "I think sometimes parents need parenting skills. There isn't the discipline there used to be in the home."

Primary schools are as much victim of young abusers as secondary schools with many reception class teachers spotting early trouble makers in their classrooms, says the survey.

Behaviour issues are down to individual schools although the education department does have support teams that can work with them, but Cllr Pummell said it was down to school governors 'to take action' against such behaviour.

Published Monday, April 14, 2003

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