From the Teacher Support Network, www.teachersupport.info.

TEACHER HIGHLIGHTS ANARCHIC BEHAVIOUR IN CLASSROOM

A teacher at Collegiate High School in Blackpool, who has been awarded £63,000 by an employment tribunal for unfair dismissal, has highlighted anarchic behaviour in the classroom.

David Roy was sacked after punishing unruly students on three occasions. The first was during a science lesson when a 13 year old female pupil simulated a sex act on a fellow pupil and then sat on a table with her back to the teacher. Mr Roy, a former Army officer tried to move the table, which was big and heavy and the pupil fell off it. The pupil later lodged a complaint and police and social services investigated, before concluding that Mr Roy had no case to answer. Yet, the incident was cited when he was suspended after two more incidents involving unruly pupils, but he was sacked without being asked to give account of them according to the Mail Online

Commenting on his ordeal Mr Roy said that there are many kids whose education is massively disrupted by the bad behaviour of other children and the teachers can't do anything about it. He added: "Frankly the lack of discipline is absolutely appalling for the children themselves."

Described as a 'model teacher' by colleagues, Mr Roy said he knew the school had a reputation as a tough school when he joined the staff 12 years ago, but it had worsened over recent years . 'It was scary and getting a bit out of hand' he said. 'It was anarchic. It was literally kids running loose.'

Recently after clearing his name, Mr Roy spoke of his anger at the treatment he received "What we need is more discipline in schools. It needs to be just and fair, but there need to be consequences if you misbehave."

In the first of the subsequent incidents, after he had escorted a misbehaving pupil outside, a Year 7 boy tapped him on the shoulder, and assuming he was being deliberately provoked he shouted at the youngster, later apologising, but shortly after that another boy refused to attend detention, and when the child pushed Mr Roy and shouted, the teacher grabbed him by the lapels to restrain him until two colleagues arrived to help. This left the teacher feeling disillusioned and he told his head of department he could no longer cope, and he was placed on 'gardening leave'.

The following month he was suspended and later dismissed.

Earlier this month, however, after an employment tribunal at which former colleagues gave evidence on his behalf, his dismissal was ruled unfair. A spokesman for Blackpool council said: 'We understand the decision made at the tribunal but cannot comment further as it is a matter for the governing body.

Have you been affected by any of the above? If so, you can call the Support Line on 0800 564 2700, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

You may find these factsheets useful:

• Managing pupil behavior - dealing with aggression
• What to do if a complaint is made against you or you wish to make a complaint
• Allegations against teachers