Teacher Support Network Chief Executive, Julian Stanley, today gave oral evidence to the House of Commons Children’s, Schools and Families Committee evidence session on Allegations Against School Staff.

Speaking ahead of the session, 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 our process and the ‘guilty until proven innocent’ approach means that perfectly innocent teachers are experiencing severe emotional turmoil, having their confidence undermined and struggling to ever 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.

“Teacher Support Network is on hand to help teachers 24 hours a day, with trained coaches and counsellors available over the phone and online. Nevertheless, proper procedures and policies that take into account the safety of pupils and the wellbeing of staff must be in place and effectively implemented once allegations arise.”

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