Kindy teachers offered self-defence course to combat feisty kids

Kindergarten teachers are being offered self-defence training in a bid to combat biting, hitting and hair-pulling youngsters.

The programme, funded by the Ministry of Education, trains teachers to deal with "crisis situations", the Manawatu Standard reported today.

Josh Couperus, one of four people from the ministry's Group Special Education which runs the course, said it covers "how to stop a punch, a kick, choking, biting, hair-pulling, and they also learn restraint techniques".

"Kindy teachers certainly get bitten and certainly get hit."

The course teaches how to identify and manage potentially dangerous situations and prevent them from turning violent.

"The purpose of this course is to provide the best care, welfare, safety and security of everybody involved in a crisis," Mr Couperus says.

A website promoting the course said it was designed to target the special needs of caregivers, particularly with the rising level of violence in society.

Rangitikei National MP Simon Power has slammed the course as an example of skewed educational priorities.

"It's a sad indictment when people that just want to teach our children are being required to learn restraint methods and take self-defence courses," he said.

"I feel sorry for the teachers because I'm sure they'd rather spend their time on professional development that will help them better educate our kids.

"I think the public would be astounded that the teachers, who do a great job, are required to do a course like this."

- NZPA