Allegations against teacher - help me support my friend.

[CatKisser]

Shocked and upset, sorry this is deliberately vague for obvious reasons.
A friend of mine teaches in a Primary School. (I'm a teacher, too.) Last week she was informed a child's parents had made a complaint against her but she wasn't allowed to know what it was. Extremely stressful, obviously. I'll just state here that I know this person inside out and have complete faith in her.

Today a police officer came in and informed her she was going to have to come into local police station and be interviewed under caution tomorrow. She still hasn't been told what the allegation is, except that it's an allegation of assault!

So, why hasn't she been suspended? She is in bits, refuses to go off on sick as I've known people do.....it just seems so horribly unfair! Head knows the specifics so obviously doesn't feel the need to suspend her.

Debated whether to mention this or not, but the family have a history of making unfounded complaints, but never this serious.

Sorry for the stilted nature of the post...just shocked and would welcome advice, while obviously trying to remain anonymous. What is likely to come next? Obviously her version of "events" is going to differ from the family's - what then?

TIA

I don't know what happens next, but hope that you've advised her to inform her union. They'll know the process and what she can do to help herself.

She should find out if she can take someone with her, and also what it is for (e.g. A discussion, to be charged? ). Sorry I am not familiar with the law, but if I was your friend, I would make sure I was protected, get legal help, find out her rights, and know what her position is when she goes to police.

Can she call the police and ask?
Hopefully someone mor knowlegable can give you better advice.

Before she goes anywhere or says anything she needs to speak to her head and speak to her union. Presumably she has already done this?

I am surprised she hasn't been suspended TBH I would have thought that was standard procedure even if the head thinks it's all a crock of shit.

Presumably she knows which child and has at least an inkling of the incident in question, like if he had to tell that child off, or came into some sort of physical contact with him/her?

sorry I meant she not he

Totally forgot to mention union, sorry. Yes of course she's been in contact and they've been great. Their solicitor will be accompanying her to the interview.
DontDrink this is it - she has honestly NO idea what this relates to. No question of "it could be this, but I only..." Etc. Nothing.
Child completely controls parents - can't go into lengthy description but as a I say, other teachers have faced complaints. We live in the kid of community where people gossip. This kind of thing can devastate a lengthy career, it's just terrifying.

And all I can think of for the lack of suspension is that the allegation is something incredibly minor which the parents have insisted pushing to the full force of the law, etc. (note, I still don't believe she did anything "minor" even)

Just quick update - she went for her interview and said having her rights read to her was absolutely terrifying. The allegation was beyond LUDICROUS.... It actually scares me that this amount of distress has been called over something so ridiculous.

Anyway, she was called by the police in the afternoon and told no further action would be taken. I think she is now in absolutely livid stage. WHY is there no come back for people who make malicious complaints?!

What is the school now putting in place to support her (and other staff)?

If this child has made one false allegation there is a high chance it could happen again. The school needs to put protocols in place that staff can follow to feel safe.

I would potentially ask to talk to a Governor - it would be a trigger for getting outside support (LA?) For managing behaviour & dynamics.

You won't believe this but I swear it's true. When the poor woman got the all clear, the Head suggested the child return to her class, which clearly didn't happen. The Chair of Govs a is a very well meaning but old fashioned sergeant major type and said to her "you must be delighted at the outcome." Needless to say, the poor woman let rip.

Everyone absolutely livid at the lack of support and union rep coming in in a couple of weeks to allow everyone to air their concerns.
Absolute idiocy.

Same thing happened to me 5 years ago.
A boy's parent alleged I'd hurt him somehow by blocking a doorway. Police officer came to school and took a statement. A week later, was told no further action. The boy was permanently excluded a short while after for kicking another teacher and writing racist graffiti on an outside wall.

How horrible, threepiecesuite it must have been an awful time for you. So glad it went no further.