One of the teachers at DCs primary school has been losing his temper with the children a lot over the last couple of years. Recently he also hit one boy on the head with a set of computer cables, apparently with the clear intention of hurting him, and threw a school football at the stomach of a girl, apparently again to hurt her, because she was not doing what he wanted in a PE lesson. I didn't see either event take place, but there were multiple reports and child witnesses, and I think he's capable of doing this.
To me he seems to be a rather taciturn, potentially spiteful man, and many children on play dates over here have said to me that they are afraid of him. Luckily he doesn't teach my children, although sometimes they are sent to him for talking in class or whatever.
I was just interviewed by the police as they are talking to various parents about it all at the moment, and I told them about a time when my DS was so terrified he hid in the toilets rather than face this man to be told off. I said I had heard about the two incidents with hitting children with equipment, and asked if this person was going to be suspended or arrested or anything like that. They said nothing would probably be done and they would probably have a quiet word with him about how he came across to parents.
I am getting increasingly worried about this. It seems to me this is a kind of assault on two counts, and I have seen teachers suspended for a lot less. I am unhappy about children feeling frightened at school and I personally think this man is trouble and has some major issues. I am also very confused as to why the police are approaching this so cautiously, given the multiple complaints.
I don't think it would be unreasonable for him to be suspended on full pay pending the outcome of the investigation, but I am wondering what the general view is amongst MNetters. Am I being too twitchy here?