Updated after arraignment

The Malta Union of Teachers on Wednesday presented proposals for improved security in schools, following two incidents which saw teachers being slightly injured.

Two persons were arraigned in connection with an assault at Pembroke secondary school on Monday.

A 15-year-old boy was hospitalised after he was attacked by another student. The latter’s father later allegedly showed up to the school accompanied by two other men.

Two staff members, understood to be an assistant head and a teacher, were hurt as they tried to break up the fight.

The brawl was followed by another incident on Tuesday, when a student and a school official got into a fight at the St Ignatius College secondary school in Qormi. The incidents are not related.

The union said its officials had a meeting with Education Minister Evarist Bartolo and presented nine proposals.

The union's proposals are: 

A review of the physical access to schools to ensure there was only controlled access;

Allocation of a fund for security in schools and deployment of security personnel; 

A revision of the allocation of Prefects of Discipline with an increase in personnel;

A ban on mobile phones in schools and respective enforcement;

Discussion about particular schools whose catchement and student population is affecting order and discipline;

Consultation with educators to address the respective needs of specific schools;

Concrete intervention in situations caused by mental health issues and substance abuse;

All schools to have a police/security presence in the morning and afternoon;

Colleges and the ministry to back all decisions of teaching grades. 

Audit report to be completed soon

The union said ministry officials said a company specialising in security shall be presenting a report about its audit in schools later this week.

A tender for security services is being finalised and talks will be held between MUT and the ministry about its implementation, the union said. 

As for the allocation of Prefects of Discipline, the ministry said the situation is being analysed.

On mobile phones, the officials said a discussion should follow on the way the policy is being implemented in schools.

The situation of students of out of locality and the size of some schools would also be discussed.

Education authorities would also hold talks with health authorities on the situation caused by mental health issues and substance abuse.

The ministry would also hold talks with the police on increased presence at schools.