6. What action will the Welsh Government take to improve working conditions for teachers in Wales over the next 12 months? OAQ54705

Following the devolution of teachers' pay and conditions last year, we have been working with stakeholders to ensure that we implement changes that benefit teachers here in Wales. The work of the managing workload and reducing bureaucracy group is a good example of this.

Thank you for the answer, Minister, but the National Education Union Cymru recently held its conference in Newport. During the conference, concerns were expressed about the increasing number of incidents of aggressive behaviour by pupils and parents to our teachers. They have suggested that posters be displayed in schools warning against violence or threats against teaching staff. Minister, what action will you take to ensure that there is a zero-tolerance approach to any form of violence or abuse against teachers in our schools in Wales?

I'm sure he'll be delighted to hear, as I'm sure you weren't there at the conference, but the education Minister was, and was able to reiterate the zero-tolerance approach of this Government to exactly the sort of threats and intimidation against anybody working in our schools. It is not the sort of behaviour that we think is appropriate, it is not one this Government tolerates, and there is a clear message that our trade unions and our teachers understand from this Government.