Menu
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)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 September 2003
Rise in degree qualified teachers: survey
More secondary school teachers have degrees and more lessons are taught by teachers with degrees in that subject, according to the results of a new survey.
Rise in degree qualified teachers: survey
More secondary school teachers have degrees and more lessons are taught by teachers with degrees in that subject, according to the results of a new survey.
16 December 2003
Good leadership 'essential' for schools' performance: report
Good leadership and management of teachers and other school staff are "essential" if schools are to improve, according to a new report published today by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted).
Good leadership 'essential' for schools' performance: report
Good leadership and management of teachers and other school staff are "essential" if schools are to improve, according to a new report published today by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted).
07 May 2003
Teachers benefit from government bounty
Staff in nearly 7,000 schools in England can expect to get a cash bonus today after helping pupils to achieve high or improved test results last year. This year's School Achievement Awards are worth around £5,700 for a typical primary school and £25,700 for a secondary school.
Teachers benefit from government bounty
Staff in nearly 7,000 schools in England can expect to get a cash bonus today after helping pupils to achieve high or improved test results last year. This year's School Achievement Awards are worth around £5,700 for a typical primary school and £25,700 for a secondary school.
21 January 2004
Refugee teachers could fill gaps in UK schools, says agency
Education authorities should use refugees, fully qualified as teachers, to fill vacancies in the UK's understaffed schools, according to the Employability Forum.
Refugee teachers could fill gaps in UK schools, says agency
Education authorities should use refugees, fully qualified as teachers, to fill vacancies in the UK's understaffed schools, according to the Employability Forum.
20 September 2010
Public Sector Figures Revealed
Over 9,000 public sector workers paid by the taxpayer are earning higher salaries than the Prime Minister, it has been announced. David Cameron does not come out tops as the best paid public sector worker in Britain, although he does have the potential to earn millions.
Public Sector Figures Revealed
Over 9,000 public sector workers paid by the taxpayer are earning higher salaries than the Prime Minister, it has been announced. David Cameron does not come out tops as the best paid public sector worker in Britain, although he does have the potential to earn millions.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
