Written question asked by Lord Lucas (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Adonis (Labour) on Monday, 29 September 2008.

Schools: Teachers

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:How many teacher training institutions are instructing student teachers that they should not touch children in their charge; whether they approve of this advice; and whether such advice is based on any law.

Answer: Information about the advice teacher training establishments give trainee teachers on physical contact with pupils is not collected centrally. Trainee teachers should not be advised that they should never have any physical contact with pupils because there are circumstances in which physical contact is entirely appropriate; for example, to prevent injury. Advice should be based on the DCSF guidance on use of force to control or restrain pupils, which also includes advice on physical contact in other circumstances. This is available at www.teachernet.qov.uk/docbank/index.cfm?id=12187.

Secondary information