PE instructors ‘at risk’ over lack of protocols

THE Department of Education must immediately introduce strict new guidelines to protect physical education (PE) teachers who have to enter changing rooms with students from “accusations of inappropriate behaviour”.

Speaking at the second day of the Teachers Union of Ireland’s (TUI) congress in Ennis, Co Clare, representatives warned that PE teachers are currently facing the genuine risk of serious allegations because there is no guidance at ministerial level.

Raising the issue amid strong support from the union’s 450-strong delegation, Co Meath branch representative Majella Mortell said teachers taking students for sports classes were risking having their reputation sullied by entering changing rooms to check on pupils.