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26/10/2009
Third Of Teachers Face False Allegations
Almost 30% of teaching staff in the UK have been the victim of wrongful allegations by pupils.
A report by the Association of Teachers claimed falsehoods concocted by children had the potential to destroy careers and ruin private lives.
Union members who participated in the survey said pupil safety was of paramount importance, but that staff should not be automatically presumed guilty.
The 1,155 respondents said around half of known cases were usually dismissed immediately.
According to the union, police became involved in 16% of incidents, however only 12 of the 67 most recently reported cases were progressed any further.
Dr Mary Bousted, ATL General Secretary, said the education system was losing good teachers, heads and support staff to the detriment of children.
"We all accept the protection of children is paramount, but that should not be at the expense of natural justice - school staff have rights too."
She said teachers are "having their careers blighted by false allegations and their private lives damaged as a result of the stress".
"It's time the balance was redressed so that school staff are not presumed guilty until proven innocent."
Dr Bousted said the right of anonymity should be reexamined, and children found to be making false allegations should be placed on a register to protect other staff.
Pupils over the age of 10 should also face charges for creating fake grievances, the union suggested.
(PR/KMcA)
A report by the Association of Teachers claimed falsehoods concocted by children had the potential to destroy careers and ruin private lives.
Union members who participated in the survey said pupil safety was of paramount importance, but that staff should not be automatically presumed guilty.
The 1,155 respondents said around half of known cases were usually dismissed immediately.
According to the union, police became involved in 16% of incidents, however only 12 of the 67 most recently reported cases were progressed any further.
Dr Mary Bousted, ATL General Secretary, said the education system was losing good teachers, heads and support staff to the detriment of children.
"We all accept the protection of children is paramount, but that should not be at the expense of natural justice - school staff have rights too."
She said teachers are "having their careers blighted by false allegations and their private lives damaged as a result of the stress".
"It's time the balance was redressed so that school staff are not presumed guilty until proven innocent."
Dr Bousted said the right of anonymity should be reexamined, and children found to be making false allegations should be placed on a register to protect other staff.
Pupils over the age of 10 should also face charges for creating fake grievances, the union suggested.
(PR/KMcA)
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