'Total mayhem': Staff tell of escalating pupil violence at Fraserburgh Academy

Support staff say that on some days it is "total mayhem" at an Aberdeenshire school due to levels of disruption and violence caused by some of its pupils.

The workers at Fraserburgh Academy have told of teachers and other staff being slapped and spat on, with some female employees left in tears following incidents.

Speaking anonymously to BBC Scotland News, support workers said a group of students were "constantly terrorising" corridors, throwing drinks bottles and littering floors with food.

The union Unison said confidence in the school's arrangements for dealing with such behaviour had "collapsed" and has called for a new action plan.

Aberdeenshire Council said it was committed to ensuring employees have a safe working environment, and that violence and aggression has no place in schools.

Staff who have experienced or witnessed violence include pupil support assistants (PSAs), janitors and catering workers.

One told of teachers being sworn at, toilets seats being smashed, soap dispensers disappearing, and up to £7-worth of toilet roll being put down loos on an almost daily basis.

They said chairs had been thrown and tables upturned in classrooms.

"There is a group of 20 to 30 pupils constantly terrorising the corridors - running from teachers, swearing at teachers," they said.

"They've absolutely no respect for discipline. Total mayhem some days."

They added: "Things are escalating and could lead to a serious incident."

Another member of staff said they had seen school employees slapped and spat on.

They said some students would stand in front of teachers to block their way, and hold the outside handles of classroom doors to prevent staff from leaving.

They said there were also "amazing kids" at the school, who want to study for jobs in the future.

"We want to make it safe for our students. We want the students to get an education," the support worker said.

Unison regional officer Simon Watson said current arrangements around dealing with behaviour had collapsed.

He said: "No worker should have to go out in the morning to face this level of violence and aggression."

Fifty-four staff have signed a letter asking the local authority's education bosses to meet with them.

Aberdeenshire Council said no meeting was planned.

A spokesperson said: "We are committed to ensuring that our employees have a safe working environment and violence and aggression has no place in our schools.

"A meeting has been held to discuss the issues raised by PSAs and support staff as we are keen to listen to what staff are saying and act on any issues that need to be changed."

They said work has been done to ensure consistent approaches to behaviour, expectations and reporting procedures were in place across the school.

Training was being offered to staff around "positive approaches to managing behaviour".

The spokesperson said there were also plans to set up a safety committee next term.