Plans to introduce an oath for teachers in Wales, requiring them to pledge not to initiate inappropriate relationships, have stirred heated debates. The proposal, set to be deliberated by Flintshire Council, aims to mandate teachers and school staff to publicly commit to refraining from forming intimate relationships with students. This initiative follows the disturbing case of Neil Foden, a Gwynedd head teacher who was sentenced to 17 years in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing four girls.
The motion was put forth by Hope councillor Gladys Healey, who argues that stricter measures are essential to safeguard children from potential abuse by educators. Scheduled for discussion on September 24, the proposal has evoked mixed reactions from various stakeholders. The National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) condemned the plan, labelling it as an affront to teachers. Neil Butler, the union’s national official for Wales, criticised the motion for tarnishing the reputation of teachers, asserting that existing regulations and codes of conduct already hold educators accountable for their actions.
Laura Doel, national secretary at NAHT Cymru, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the robust safeguarding protocols already in place within educational institutions. Expressing dismay over the proposal, Doel underscored the dedication of teachers and leaders towards ensuring the welfare of students. She argued that coercing teachers to swear an oath against child abuse would not only be futile but also detrimental to the trust between educators, school leaders, and families.
Councillor Healey, in her notice of motion, stressed the necessity for enhanced safeguarding measures, pointing out instances of child abuse and inappropriate relationships by teaching professionals. She proposed the formulation of an oath, akin to those in other professions, as a way to reinforce the commitment against engaging in misconduct towards students. If approved, the oath would be mandatory for all current and future education staff in Flintshire.
While ASCL Cymru expressed willingness to engage in discussions regarding the proposal, concerns remain about the potential implications on the teaching profession. The focus on safeguarding children, underscored by a child practice review initiated by the North Wales Safeguarding Board following Foden’s conviction, highlights the paramount importance of ensuring a safe learning environment for all students. While the intent behind the oath is to prevent harm, the impact and efficacy of such a measure continue to be subjects of contentious debate among educators and policymakers alike.