Nearly half of new teachers do not feel properly equipped to deal with violence in the classroom, a survey suggests.

Figures released suggest two-thirds of newly qualified teachers have received no clear guidance on restraining violent pupils.

The Association of Teachers and Lecturers, which surveyed 1,001 of its student teachers, newly-qualified teachers and probationary members, is calling for training in this area to be made compulsory. The government, however, said new teachers were supported in tackling poor behaviour.

The ATL found 49% felt they had not had enough training to deal with challenging behaviour and nearly 55% of those still training felt they were not getting enough guidance on the issue.