Thousands of children as young as four have been suspended for attacking teachers as shocking statistics reveal record violence in classrooms. As well as launching attacks on teachers, children aged just four and five have also been suspended for fighting with fellow pupils, bullying, and even sexual misconduct and bringing weapons to school. There were nearly 11,000 suspensions involving children in reception in England in the 2023-24 academic year, nearly double the 5,993 recorded in official figures two years earlier. They added: ‘Every child deserves to start school ready to learn, and every teacher deserves a safe, calm classroom. The guidance on knives echoes comments by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, where she encouraged heads to keep suspended pupils in school to limit the amount of learning they miss.

Source: Daily Mail February 14, 2026 23:29 UTC