Stakeholder Positions - NUT, SHA and NASUWT
Stakeholder Position: The NUT
The NUT takes a practical approach to that part of the bill that concerns itself with weapon reduction.
The Bill does not require schools to test and search for weapons carried by pupils, but we understand that a number of schools, where a problem with weapons exists, will want to examine the best way forward in consultation with staff and parents.
The Government and crime reduction agencies need to discuss with schools the most appropriate and practical ways to proceed, such as airport style hand held devices over intimate body searches.
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The Secondary Heads Association broadly welcomes new powers in the Violent Crime Reduction Bill for schools in dealing with concealed weapons.
SHA General Secretary, Dr
“However, I do not believe the new powers offer enough security in today’s litigious society. School leaders will not be willing to use these new powers unless they are completely confident that they are also protected from litigation under civil law or the Human Rights Act for violating students’ rights.
“The vast majority of schools do not have problems with pupils carrying weapons, but in the rare occasion that it does happen, school leaders need to know that they have the authority to deal with it quickly and decisively.”
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Stakeholder Position: NASUWT
Chris Keates, General Secretary of NASUWT, the largest union representing teachers and headteachers throughout the
"A commitment to introduce more powers for headteachers to search for offensive weapons and tougher sentences for those who attack teachers was announced by the Government at the
"This followed the NASUWT's call, in response to the growing weapon carrying culture among young people on the streets, for random airport style security checks in schools to deter and detect weapon carrying.
"NASUWT welcomes the increased powers in the Bill for heads to search pupils.
"However, the
"Not only are there risk factors involved but it could have an adverse effect on the nature of a teacher's relationship with pupils.
"Random searches should be one of a menu of options from which headteachers can choose to improve security and behaviour in schools.
"They should be able to commission the searches from the police not conduct them themselves.
"The proposal in the Bill for stiffer penalties for those who attack teachers will be warmly welcomed.
"It will be a powerful warning to would-be assailants.
"But, of critical importance is the strong message it will send out to teachers and headteachers that they have the Government's backing in ensuring that schools remain, as they currently are, relatively safe havens of peace and security."
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