Pledge to end pupil assaults

The Government today promised "zero tolerance" of violence against teachers, whether by children or their parents.

Education Minister Stephen Twigg said he was "horrified" by evidence of assaults, including the case of London teacher Jo Redmond, who won £92,000 compensation after suffering violence from pupils as young as seven.

At the Association of Teachers and Lecturers conference in Bournemouth today, Mr Twigg said the Governmnent expected schools, education authorities and the police to take whatever action is necessary to protect staff.

Yesterday the Standard reported how Ms Redmond was forced to retire after two years of being spat at and hit by pupils. Mr Twigg said: "I was horrified by the evidence, but not entirely surprised. I have heard similar examples. There will be zero tolerance of violence."