At least one teacher has lost their job at a Dundee school during the past three years over allegations of an improper relationship with a pupil.
According to stats compiled by Dundee City Council, at least one teacher was sacked between 2015 and 2017 for engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a student.
The news has been met with shock by union bosses.
Dundee EIS representative Dave Baxter said such instances are “extremely rare”.
He said: “Thankfully these cases are extremely rare and when they do turn up they are dealt with swiftly and seriously.
“There’s a very strong line taken by everyone in education in regards to professional conduct.
“One of the things to highlight is there are 1400 teachers in Dundee and pretty much 100% deliver a high standard of education day in day out.”
North East MSP Bill Bowman said: “While these numbers are still small, this is something that simply should not be happening at all.
“There is no excuse for any teacher to enter into an improper relationships with a pupil. Teachers hold positions of respect and responsibility within our society, and must behave accordingly.”
A Dundee City Council spokesperson added: “Teachers are in a unique position of trust and are expected to abide by the General Teaching Council for Scotland’s Code of Professionalism and Conduct, as well as Dundee City Council’s policies and procedures for staff.
“Any breaches would be subject to formal investigation and possible disciplinary action.”
* For more on this story see Monday’s Courier, also available as a digital edition.
