HC Deb 25 February 2002 vol 380 c748W
Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether her Department received correspondence about Amy Gehring prior to the circumstances that led to the recent court case. [36602]

Mr. Timms

The Department received a letter on 20 November 2000 from Surrey police which contained factual information about allegations made against Miss Gehring, and stated that no further police action would be taken. This was the first notification the Department received of her case.

Prior to this, on 1 November 2000, Timeplan had already allowed Miss Gehring to return to teaching in Surrey on a supply basis. On 9 November 2000 Surrey Child Protection Unit wrote to Timeplan warning them that the unit considered that Miss Gehring was a serious risk to children. Timeplan did not withdraw Miss Gehring from her teaching post and failed to inform the LEA, DfES or the schools of this warning.

The allegations considered by the court are alleged to have taken place between 19 November 2000 and 31 December 2000.