§ Mr. Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) what recent representations she has received from teaching unions about the difficulties faced by their members when subjected to unsubstantiated 929W allegations of physical or sexual abuse of pupils; and if she will make a statement;
(2) what steps are taken by her Department to protect teachers against the effect of false allegations of physical and sexual abuse upon pupils;
(3) how many complaints were made in the latest year for which figures are available alleging physical or sexual abuse of pupils by teachers; how many of those complaints are expected to lead to criminal charges being laid; and what plans she has to review guidelines in this area;
(4) what compensation is made available to teachers who are unable to continue their careers following unsubstantiated, false and malicious allegations of physical or sexual abuse by pupils; and what plans she has to review policy in this area.
§ Mr. ForthMy officials and I have held a number of meetings in the last 12 months with representatives of the National Union of Teachers, the National Association of Schoolmasters and Union of Women Teachers, the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, the Professional Association of Teachers, the National Association of Head Teachers and the Secondary Heads Association to discuss allegations of abuse against their members. The Department is now considering what new guidance might be issued about child protection and allegations of abuse. No comprehensive figures are available of the number of allegations of physical or sexual abuse made against teachers, or of how many of these lead to criminal charges. A recent survey relating to misconduct more generally suggested that while only 7 per cent. of allegations in 1992–93 had led to conviction for a criminal offence, a further 40 per cent. had been found substantiated and resulted in disciplinary action. Compensation where allegations are shown to be unfounded is in the first place a matter for employers.