NUT comment on New Discipline Guidance

Monday, 4 April 2011 12:00 AM

Commenting on new guidance for tackling discipline in schools, Christine Blower, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, the largest teachers' union said;

"False allegations have blighted many teachers' careers and lives. The cost to teachers who have been wrongly accused cannot be underestimated. There is much to welcome in the new guidance, including the focus on speedy resolution and a common sense approach. However, criminalising children and young people who have wrongly accused a teacher is a power that is unlikely to be used by head teachers.

"We welcome in particular the advice that suspension should only be used as a last resort and that records of malicious allegations should be removed from teachers' personnel files. Also, it is right that staff who are suspended should be kept in touch with the progress of the investigation and supported on their return to work.

"Most allegations made against teachers relate to their dealing with incidents of disruptive behaviour, so we welcome the recognition that school staff are entitled to control or restrain pupils where necessary.

"Whilst recognising the Government's good intentions to increase the powers to search, the NUT does have concerns about the potential pressure on schools and individual teachers that these extended powers may have.

"Teachers are generally reluctant to take on such 'policing' roles - particularly given the potential for damage to productive relationships between staff and young people; and the increased potential for litigation if a member of staff chooses or fails to search a pupil who later commits an offence."

ENDS

For further details contact Caroline Cowie on 0207 380 4706 or 07879480061

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