Updated at 1.20pm: UPE reacts

A head of school was hospitalised on Tuesday after a student's grandmother assaulted her, the teachers' union said in a statement condemning the act of aggression. 

"The union will not accept this type of aggression and is expecting immediate investigations by the police and education authorities," the Malta Union of Teachers said.

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"The MUT reiterates that there should be security measures taken at every school, which measures have never been implemented." 

The government said the attack happened on Tuesday at 10.15am at Vittoriosa primary school and involved a student's grandmother.   

After she was allowed in school, she went up to the head's office where the assistant head was also present. As soon as she entered the office she physically attacked the head.

Staff members gave the first aid and the attacker was escorted out of school. A police report was also filed.

The ministry said it deplored the attack on an educator carrying out her duty and called on the authorities concerned to take all the necessary steps according to law.

The MUT statement provided no further details about the alleged attack and did not explain what security measures it expected in schools. 

In a statement, the Union of Professional Educators Voice of the Workers condemned the attack and noted that it was the second such case reported in as many months. 

The UPE echoed the MUT's concerns about inadequate security provisions within schools, and asked how the relative who assaulted the head of school had gained access to the school without authorisation. 

“Such instances are unacceptable especially when authorities have been told time and time again that the lack of security within our schools could result in such episodes," said UPE executive head Graham Sansone.