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

TEACHER SUPPORT NETWORK BACKS SELECT COMMITTEE CALL FOR BETTER SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS FACING ALLEGATIONS

Teacher Support Network Chief Executive, Julian Stanley, today welcomed the House of Commons' Children, Schools and Families Committee's report on Allegations Against School Staff.

Julian Stanley said: "Allegations against teachers are becoming more frequent, but very few are eventually proven to be true. Far too often the long, drawn out process and 'guilty until proven innocent' approach means that perfectly innocent teachers are experiencing severe emotional turmoil, having their confidence undermined and struggling to return to work despite being cleared.

"While we absolutely support the need to protect children from abuse, we also need to do more to protect teachers who are subjected to malicious and unfounded allegations from emotional distress and long-term damage to their mental health.

"We are pleased that the Select Committee has taken into account the emotional impact that allegations can have on teachers. We believe that if their recommendations are fully implemented, they could significantly reduce the unjust damage that these incidents can have on teachers' wellbeing."