HUMZA Yousaf has admitted he had not read a worrying report from unions on school violence – after his Education Secretary was slated for not doing her homework on the same issue.
Jenny Gilruth was blasted after appearing on TV on Sunday to discuss the EIS research – before telling the presenter she had not read it.
The highly publicised report reignited public debate on violence in classrooms last week after suggesting a third of 800 teachers in Aberdeen said they were attacked in their classrooms.
But despite the criticism of Ms Gilruth for her ignorance of the report, Mr Yousaf said he too had not read it as he campaigned in Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Park ahead of a council by-election.
His remarks came just hours after EIS Union boss Andrea Bradley said it was “strange” the Education Secretary had not read the report, despite having communicated with the local council on the issue of violence in schools.
Asked by a journalist if he had read it, Mr Yousaf said: “I haven’t read, personally, the report in question here, but of course, Jenny Gilruth, I and others, will make sure that we continue to engage with the EIS.”
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And defending his Education Secretary, Mr Yousaf said: “First and foremost, Jenny of course was previously a teacher, (she) has in the role engaged with a number of teachers, engaged with the EIS, read numerous reports, hosted violence in schools summits, and is taking the issue exceptionally seriously, and she’ll continue to engage with the EIS.”
He added: “We are, as a government, very sincere about tackling the issue of violence in schools. I know it’s a very emotive subject, and understandably so.
“What we want to try to do is make sure we get that absolute balance right where, of course, we are eliminating violence in schools and making sure we’re doing what we can to support pupils, as well as supporting teaching staff as well, who are doing an incredible job as well.”
Speaking earlier, EIS general secretary Ms Bradley said of Ms Gilruth’s remarks: “Teachers in Aberdeen will be concerned, but also teachers nationally will be asking questions about the extent to which the rising levels of violent, aggressive, disruptive, distressing behaviour are being taken seriously by the Scottish Government.”
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Rising school violence has been subject to widespread debate in the past two years and the EIS Aberdeen report found 42 per cent of teachers saw violent pupil behaviour every day, while 37 per cent had been physically assaulted.
Mr Yousaf was also quizzed by reporters over whether he would still push for independence even if it were not possible for Scotland to become a member of the EU.
He said: “Scotland’s best future is not just as an independent nation, but as an independent nation within the EU.”
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
