Episode details

Radio 5 Live,3 mins
Hundreds of teachers and school staff suspended over child safety confusion
5 Live In ShortAvailable for over a year
Schools have suspended hundreds of teachers and support staff amid confusion over child protection rules in England, an investigation by ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 5 live Drive has found. New guidance means the employees face disqualification because they live with someone who has a conviction for a violent or sexual crime. Unions are urging the Government to clarify its advice as members warn of a system in 'meltdown'. One teaching assistant, who wished to remain anonymous*, has been suspended and faces losing her job because of the new rules. "Why should something from my husband's past affect me now" she said. "I'm being punished even though I have never committed a crime... It's just so unfair." The Department for Education says the requirements are not new and that schools should 'use their judgement' in applying them. *Her words have been spoken by an actress. This clip is originally from 5 live Drive on January 20 2015.
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