Anonymity For Teachers

One lonely, desperate and frightened night in 2007, I exchanged e-mails with Michael Gove in real time. I no longer felt alone and my heart was filled with hope. He said :

“Thank you for getting in touch. I very much sympathise with the terrible position you find yourself in. My heart goes out to you. And your position underlines my determination to provide more protection for teachers who’re falsely accused in the future.”

Michael

crock¹ n

1. an earthen pot, jar, etc.
2. a piece of broken earthenware
3. Also crock of shit UK, US and Canadian informal: a quantity or source of lies or nonsense

Michael Gove not only has failed me but every teacher in the United Kingdom. I am not given to swearing but he has delivered a ‘crock of shit’.

Anonymity is a minor consideration, the press coverage of teacher allegation cases is low and stories that are covered usually originate from events that took place many years ago. Google searches confirm this observation.

Michael Gove has introduced impractical legislation that can not be enforced.

Courtesy BBC Radio 5

So everyone in the school and the children’s parents will know about the teacher and the details of the allegation. What action will be taken when the children publish the details on Facebook, Twitter, etc ? What action will be taken when parents discuss the case with friends, family and neighbours ?

“Anonymity doesn’t do much good then either. Instead, human rights laws and bureaucratic red tape is wrapped around teachers’ necks. With their hands tied and no leg to stand on, it’s only a matter of time before they topple. “There’s no way I’d go back into the classroom without being able to prove my innocence,” says Jane. “I think body-worn cameras are needed.””

In a BBC radio interview, Helen Denton, Executive Director for Children & Young People, Lancashire County Council expressed doubts about Michael Gove’s promise to provide anonymity. She was of the opinion that it was not realistic and that anonymity could not be assured :

Courtesy BBC Radio Lancashire

And there we have it, Helen Denton confirms that anonymity for a teacher will not work. It is a distraction but it is so dangerous - teachers should not be given anonymity - like the police, doctors and many others - they are entrusted professionals and should be and must be accountable and answerable - the child MUST always come first inspite of the possible consequences.