The unions broadly welcomed education secretary David Blunkett's announcement of plans to ensure that allegations of assault were dealt with promptly, within three months in all but the most complicated cases. Mr Blunkett also said last week that 1.4m would be available this year to fund a network of regionally-based co-ordinators to help governing bodies deal with cases.
However, Professional Association of Teachers acting general secretary Jean Gemmell said these measures did not go far enough. 'Being falsely accused and suspended can cause severe personal distress and long-term damage to the accused's career. These victims must be compensated financially or by a period of paid leave. It is also unreasonable for an acquitted teacher to have to work with the child who made the false accusation.
'Men are increasingly reluctant to work with children. Many are frightened to comfort an injured child in case they are accused of being an abuser. Primary schools throughout the country have no male teachers and, if trends continue, there will soon be no men teaching in primary schools. We know of cases where children think teaching is only a woman's job.'
The NASUWT annual conference last week voted overwhelmingly in support of a motion noting with alarm the increase in malicious and false allegations directed towards teachers. They also called for anonymity until allegations were found to be correct and for a compensation mechanism to be set up.
Jane Davidson, the Welsh Assembly's minister for education and lifelong learning, also pledged to review guidance covering the handling of allegations against teachers.
