A former teacher who was falsely accused by a pupil suggested that one of the reasons for classroom disruption now is the Children's Act. Speaking on Radio 5 Live this morning, he said that the Children's Act meant that any teacher who was accused by a child of doing something wrong was immediately suspended. Teachers were terrified of being accused. He suggested that this was linked with the high rate at which teachers leave the profession.

The solicitor who spoke on the same programme who clearly was involved with children's rights had no sympathy for him and clearly thought that children's rights are a black and white matter on which there is no room for compromise. She might like to consider what damage is done to children by

a) the loss of good teachers.
b) the disruption of classes that would not take place if the teachers were more often able to maintain good discipline.

Good policy in education is surely better decided upon by considering what is in the best interest of children rather than inventing 'rights' and then adhering blindly to them regardless of the consequences.

See also here.

Posted by James Bartholomew • Indexed in Education • Reform

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