Verbal abuse is a daily problem in Yorkshire and Humberside schools.

A survey found that more than one in three (35%) support staff in schools in Yorkshire and Humberside experience verbal abuse every day.

The survey, released by trade union Unison, questioned nearly 800 school workers in the region between October 10 and 25, including Teaching assistants, caterers and cleaners are included.

The findings included 34% of school support staff experiencing being pushed on a daily basis, particularly by students, with 26% witnessing daily kicking and throwing of objects and furniture.

The Department for Education (DfE) said school staff “must be aware and co-operative” and expected school leaders to take “appropriate action to deal with any issues”.

Staff working in primary schools made up 64% of respondents, 23% from secondary schools and 1% were staff working with children in both primary and secondary schools.

This included 11% of staff in special schools and 1% of pupil referral units.

Data Released on November 21. It found that the number of school suspensions in primary schools has almost doubled since before the pandemic.

According to the DfE, the number of students being permanently excluded has also increased by a third.

Mike Short, Head of Education Unison, said: “Our members don’t just do these jobs for the money because they love them, but the amount of verbal abuse that happens on a daily basis is really worrying.

“We don’t blame children, youth and learners for this. The problem is with the system.”

Unison Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Secretary Karen Loughlin said: “No one should have to face abuse or violence at work.

“Sadly, for a surprising number of support staff in schools across Yorkshire and Humberside this is their everyday reality.

“Tackling bad behavior in schools requires funding and extra staff, but this survey shows the opposite has happened in recent years.”

A spokesperson for the DFE said: “School support staff make a huge contribution to children’s learning and the smooth running of our schools, and are vital to our mission to drive high and rising standards in our schools, enabling all children to Helps achieve and thrive.

“All school staff should feel safe and supported at work, and confident in being able to report concerns – and we expect school leaders to take appropriate action to deal with any issues. .

“We have recently revived the School Support Staff Negotiating Body, which aims to ensure that they are properly valued and respected as professionals.”