Teachers protected from abuse claims
Teachers will no longer be automatically suspended following allegations of abuse, education secretary Ruth Kelly announced today.
The new guidelines are intended to protect teachers from what are often groundless accusations, but create publicity that can nonetheless ruin their careers.
They would also speed up the system for dealing with complaints, and provide anonymity for the teacher concerned during the investigation.
“We must protect children. Being abused by a trusted adult can have a devastating effect on a child and their future,” said Ms Kelly.
“Equally, I am very much aware of the devastating effect that being wrongly or unfairly accused can have on an individual, their family and career, and how delay and publicity can exacerbate that.”
The new guidelines are intended to provide a consistence approach to dealing with allegations of abuse across England, and include clear advice on how to support the children and staff involved.
They come at the end of a concerted campaign by teaching union NASUWT, which has previously highlighted the negative effects of false accusations on teachers.
General secretary Chris Keates welcomed today’s announcement, saying the guidelines represented a “significant step forward towards securing more balanced and fair procedures”.
“This guidance will not prevent those who abuse children from being identified and dealt with appropriately. Those who abuse children have no place in schools,” he said.
“It does, however, have the real potential to ensure that those who are falsely accused, and their families, are spared the months and sometimes years of trauma and distress before being exonerated.”
The Professional Association of Teachers (PAT) also welcomed the news, in particular the focus on dealing with allegations of abuse quickly and consistently.
“These procedures have to take as long as necessary but not longer than necessary,” said PAT solicitor David Brierley.
“We welcome the advice that employers should be proactive in progressing cases rather than letting them take their course for indefinite periods of time.”
