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Education Bill

74: After Clause 13, insert the following new Clause— ““Physical contact between pupils and school staff (1) The governing body of a school may adapt and promulgate rules on physical contact between pupils and school staff. (2) Such rules may permit physical contact between pupils and staff in defined circumstances, including in particular contact required for teaching physical skills, providing first aid and comfort to pupils, and avoiding harm to people or equipment. (3) Such rules may permit physical contact between pupils and staff when no other adult is present, and between a pupil and a member of staff of different genders. (4) If a complaint concerning physical contact between a pupil and a member of staff is made to the head teacher of a school, and the head teacher considers that on the balance of probabilities the member of staff acted within school rules, the head teacher need take no action to suspend or otherwise restrict the member of staff concerned while investigation of the complaint is in progress.””