Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said today the SNP must crack down on bad behaviour in schools and empower teachers to take a “tougher approach where necessary.”
At First Minister’s Questions, Findlay said SNP cuts to teacher numbers were “fuelling a collapse of discipline in schools.”
Scottish government figures this week stated there are 600 fewer teachers in Scotland than last year.
Recent figures also revealed there were almost 45,000 recorded incidents of violence and abuse in schools.
Findlay also raised a case of a teacher who said female pupils and school staff routinely suffer sexual intimidation and even violence.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: “John Swinney blatantly broke a promise to increase teacher numbers by 3,500.
“How is anyone meant to trust John Swinney when teacher numbers are falling not rising under the SNP?
“Fewer teachers are being expected to do more and more.
“It’s fuelling a collapse of discipline in our schools.
“Instead of letting violence spiral out of control, the SNP must empower teachers to take a tougher approach where necessary.
“Shocking incidents of violence are happening because disruptive pupils know there are no consequences for their actions.
“The SNP must crack down on the behaviour of the minority who are ruining it for the majority.
“After 17 years of SNP rule, our schools need change.
“John Swinney’s way is not working for pupils, teachers or parents.
“Isn’t it plain common sense what our schools need – more discipline and more teachers?”