Being faced with a potentially hostile classroom environment, and cases of physical altercations with students mean it is time to think about insurance cover for teachers, the Union of Professional Educators (UPE) said.

Speaking at a press conference outside the Office of the Prime Minister, Executive Head of UPE Graham Sansone insisted that this is of utmost importance now that even individuals from outside the schools are entering unsupervised and attacking teachers and educators in their place of work.

He explained that the union had been in contact with both the Prime Minister and Minister for Education, and that after being receptive to discussion they will now be presenting proposals directly to the Prime Minister.

“It is time for there to be someone who keeps note of who enters and leaves the school, to make sure that there will no longer be a free-for-all in our schools.”

Sansone also noted that there is a situation at the moment where individuals hurt at their place of work, the set period of time for sick leave would expire, and they would end up on half-pay or no pay at all.

The union members present also noted that mental health issues seem to be rising amongst their students, and this is causing the children to express themselves violently. They therefore also suggested ‘teams’ in every school who would be there to provide any support or services needed.

Answering questions from this newsroom, Sansone insisted that all educators deserve compensation in case of injury on the job.

"There isn't one priority comes before the other. They all come hand in hand, and ideally they should all be implemented."

Outside of the perimeter of the schools, it was suggested that the State should start embarking on a campaign which educates people in general, so that the idea of educators is respected.

"We are feeling like babysitters. Sod that, we are there to advance their educational level, and I think that a campaign from outside the actual school should be promoted."