Posted By Zoe Barnett Like most LEAs we're getting increasing reports of violence (both verbal and physical) in schools, mainly directed at Headteachers. We have set up a working group and whilst this concentrates on how to prevent an assault, we have to recognise that they can still happen and by their very nature can be hard to predict. Heads in particular are concerned over the level of post-incident support they get from the LEA, and so we're looking at ways to help them deal with the media and so on. Counselling is an obvious service that could be of use, but whereas we'd usually use the expertise of our Educational Psychologists, Heads are reluctant to confide in an EP as they feel that this would damage their professional standing with the psychology service. Do any colleagues have any experience of implementing a counselling/support service for school staff who have suffered an assault? I would be very grateful for any ideas or information on this or any other aspect of managing this problem. Regards, Zoe

Posted By Nick Higginson Zoe, I cannot relate to your particular problem, but if you're after a trainer to deliver violence awareness/diffusion training, I can recommend one. He did some training for our guys who go to customers properties who have been off supply (electricity) for some time and he was our most popular trainer ever. Contact me if you want some details. Regards, Nick

Posted By Zyggy Turek Zoe, We recently introduced a confidential counselling scheme for all Council employees which would include issues such as violent incidents. Any employee can contact either myself or the Welfare Officer without needing authorisation from their Line Manager & if both parties feel that counselling could be beneficial, then they are offered an initial assessment +5 further sessions if necessary. The scheme is run via Relate & covers a number of areas with the exception of "couple counselling", i.e. partner relationships! If the individual does not want to go down this route, then our in-house Welfare Officer provides an excellent service. If you want any further information, then please do not hesitate to e-mail me.