Staff fears in toddler exclusions
Head teachers' leaders say that teachers' fears about restraining violent pupils is behind the suspension of three and four-year-olds.
The Conservatives revealed figures showing 1,500 suspensions of children aged four and under in the past year.
In response, heads' leader Mick Brookes says it reflects teachers' fears that they could lose their jobs if they intervene to stop violent pupils.
As such teachers are using suspension powers instead, says Mr Brookes.
Teachers were worried by a culture of litigation and the fear of unjust accusations, said Mr Brookes, and as such they opted to use procedures to exclude violent toddlers.
'Shocking'
"The culture we have in our schools now means that every time they lay hands on a child to restrain them from hurting themselves or others, they put their jobs on the line," said Mr Brookes, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers.
Head teachers' leaders say that teachers' fears about restraining violent pupils is behind the suspension of three and four-year-olds.
The Conservatives revealed figures showing 1,500 suspensions of children aged four and under in the past year.
In response, heads' leader Mick Brookes says it reflects teachers' fears that they could lose their jobs if they intervene to stop violent pupils.
As such teachers are using suspension powers instead, says Mr Brookes.
Teachers were worried by a culture of litigation and the fear of unjust accusations, said Mr Brookes, and as such they opted to use procedures to exclude violent toddlers.
'Shocking'
"The culture we have in our schools now means that every time they lay hands on a child to restrain them from hurting themselves or others, they put their jobs on the line," said Mr Brookes, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers.
Source: BBC News, 7th November 2008.
7th Nov 2008
