The need for teachers to undergo stringent background checks before being employed has been highlighted by new figures in Leicestershire.
According to the Leicester Mercury, a number of allegations were made against staff in schools within the past year including teachers engaging in bullying, inappropriate text messages, offensive language and the use of "sexual talk" with youngsters.
In total, 28 complaints were made against teachers, classroom assistants, midday supervisors, nursery nurses, kitchen staff and cleaners from July 2009 to the same month this year, the news provider reports.
However, Peter Flack, assistant secretary of the Leicester branch of the NUT, criticised the investigation process teachers are subjected to.
"Even an unproven allegation can have consequences because it can appear in the 'additional information' section of your Criminal Records Bureau (
CRB) check which seems utterly unfair." He added:
Any individual wanting to work in a school must fist pass a
CRB check to assess their suitability for the role.
Capita RVS -
recruitment checking and vetting service.
