EDUCATION bosses are calling for a zero tolerance policy against pupils who assault and abuse teachers.

Stephen Twigg, a high-ranking education minister, called for new measures to be introduced that will tackle the issue head on.

He was speaking at the Association of Teachers and Lecturers' annual conference last week after the union voted to push for greater staff protection.

John Rimmer, Warrington negotiating secretary for the NASUWT, said that this was a "very serious issue".

One of the main problems he cited was that pupils, who have been excluded after a series of offences, often end up back in the classroom following an appeal.

He said: "Each case has to be judged on its merits but what kind of message is it sending out to kids? It makes them think that they can get away with."