THE low number of investigations into teacher conduct revealed by Devon County Council has been described as "extremely encouraging" by a longstanding councillor and former cabinet member for schools.
Figures released to the Echo reveal there have been 125 investigations into teacher conduct in four and a half years since September 2009: 22 in 2009/10, 37 in 2010/11, 28 in 2011/12, 31 in 2012/13 and seven in the 2013/14 academic year up until January.
There are about 360 state schools in Devon with about 4,500 employed as teaching staff, so the figures represent a fraction of those on the roll.
Of the investigations there were 12 relating to sexual conduct, seven relating to fraud, five relating to drugs or alcohol and four under the category of assaults.
Approximately a quarter of all investigations ended in "no further action", with 10 per cent ending in a dismissal.
The raft of other sanctions included seven resignations, 15 compromise agreements as well as written warnings. By far the biggest category was "professional guidance", of which there were 32 cases.
Councillor Christine Channon, Conservative ward member for Budleigh Salterton, who was the portfolio holder for schools and learning for three years, explained there is a duty of care to both staff and pupils and the complaints system reflects that commitment.
"The figures are extremely encouraging and suggest that either attitudes are changing or there are very few incidents.
"I heard of very few incidents occurring in Devon schools. Any investigation starts with a complaint which starts with the headteacher, who should consult with the head of governors, who will decide whether to escalate things.
"If appropriate a verbal warning may be given, most complaints will involve a verbal warning at first unless there are witnesses.
"A written warning, possibly a second, may follow for repetitive offences and a decision on how to proceed which will be reviewed by a reserve team."
She added: "There is a duty of care to both staff and pupils and teachers are often in an invidious position.
"Teachers have to be so careful these days – you can't put your arm round a child who is crying anymore, but we are in danger of becoming without emotion if we're not careful."
