From the Teacher Support Network, www.teachersupport.info.

1,700 ALLEGATIONS MADE AGAINST SCHOOL STAFF LAST YEAR

1,700 allegations of inappropriate conduct were made against school staff in the UK last year, according to new figures released this week. Yet, only 143 of those staff accused were actually dismissed or resigned.

The figures have fuelled further debate from teaching unions as well as Teacher Support Network on the issue of false or malicious allegations against teachers and how these accusations are dealt with in schools.

Julian Stanley, Chief Executive of Teacher Support Network said: "While we would never advocate a system where parents and children could not raise their concerns about teachers, any complaints process must also protect the innocence and reputation of teachers at risk of malicious or unfounded allegations.

The figures released today underline the worrying trend of accusations against teachers, but they do not show the real damage that a false or malicious allegation has on an innocent teacher.

We know from speaking to an increasing number of wrongly accused teachers through our Support Lines every year that these allegations not only cause severe emotional distress and anxiety, but also undermine confidence, have long-term mental health implications and may even drive some teachers from the profession entirely. In short, these allegations can wreck not just the careers, but also the lives of the teachers involved.

We believe that great teachers are made in part by the environment in which they work. How can we expect teachers to reach their full potential, or by extension our children to reach theirs, if teachers are not fully protected and supported?"

Christine Blower, General Secretary of NUT:  "Most allegations against school staff are false or even malicious allegations, made when teachers intervene to restore good behaviour at school. Only a small percentage result in a police investigation and a tiny number conclude with a conviction.

Teachers must be allowed reasonable powers of intervention for those rare occasions where dangerous situations escalate, without being at risk of accusations. It continues to be the case that teachers and other school staff are sometimes uncertain of school procedures and we would therefore like to see a renewed focus on school level training, to ensure that procedures keep pupils safe but are also fair to staff.

We welcome the Government's review of the Independent Safeguarding Authority's role. It is right to have robust systems but the net must catch those who could be a real danger, without dragging innocent staff into months or even years of fighting to prove their innocence."

Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT: "Teachers who are subject to allegations are often presumed guilty unless they can prove their innocence. Innocent teachers often find they will never be exonerated and are permanently and unfairly stigmatised.

Our evidence shows that once the nature of the allegation and the identity of a teacher are known, a witch hunt will ensue, damaging irreparably the teacher's health, family relationships and professional reputation.

Introducing a legal provision to provide anonymity for school staff up to the point of conviction would safeguard the health and welfare of individuals against whom allegations are made and enable these staff to return back to school life with some professional and personal dignity." To read the NASUWT's comments in full, click here.

A spokesman for ATL told the BBC: If an allegation is investigated the staff member is usually suspended and told they mustn't have any colleagues, leaving them totally isolated.

We want anonymity for staff, no automatic bar on staff keeping in contact with colleagues (who are quite frequently friends) and investigations to be speeded up."

If an allegation has been made against you and you would like confidential support and support, call our Support Line on 08000 562 561, or try these factsheets:

• What to do if a complaint is made against you or you wish to make a complaint
• Allegations against teachers