Middle class blamed for rowdy pupils

Middle-class parents who "over-indulge" their children are blamed today by a teachers' leader for poor behaviour in schools.

A survey by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers revealed that one in three of their members had to deal with physical violence by pupils in the past year.

Behaviour has worsened in the past five years with pupils kicking, punching and pushing school staff, the poll of more than 800 teachers reveals. Teachers pinned much of the blame on poor parenting and problems at home.

Dr Mary Bousted, general secretary of the union, said: "This can apply as much to over-indulged middle-class children as those from challenging homes."