Teachers to be given protection against pupils' false allegations [guardian.co.uk]
- Published: 04 April 2011
Headteachers will be able to press criminal charges against pupils who make false allegations against teachers in England, under guidance issued by the government.
The policy was announced by the education secretary, Michael Gove, as part of a package of measures designed to enforce discipline, which includes allowing students' mobile phones to be searched for inappropriate material.
As well as having the power to press criminal charges, headteachers will be able to temporarily or permanently exclude pupils who make false allegations.
Teachers will also get added protection through an assumption that they have behaved reasonably until the contrary is proved, and confirmation that they can use reasonable force to control children. At present, they can be suspended on the word of a pupil.
Full Story: www.guardian.co.uk
