By Justin Parkinson BBC News education reporter, at the NASUWT conference

Lives are ruined by malicious claims say teachers

Children and parents who make false allegations against teachers should face criminal charges, an education union says.

The NASUWT, holding its annual conference, also voted for staff cleared after investigation to be removed from police files.

Every month, more than 12 allegations of criminal activity were made against members, delegates heard.

But less than 4% of these claims resulted in convictions.

John Thirsk, a teacher from Denbighshire, told the conference in Brighton: "The tide of malicious allegations shows no sign of waning.

"On a regular basis, teachers are still subject to the knee-jerk reactions of many head teachers and local authorities who consider suspension the appropriate response to any allegations."

The conference heard how some teachers were driven to nervous breakdowns because of false claims made against them.

One had been accused of throwing a pupil down a manhole at school.

It transpired that he had been shopping at the time and that the story had been invented to cover up for the bully responsible.

Anonymity

In another case, a 20-year-old man had alleged sexual abuse by a primary school teacher 10 years earlier. This was also proved to be false.

Meanwhile, one child had made accusations based on the plot of a TV soap opera.

Last November, the government started a consultation with teachers about the problem of malicious allegations.

The findings are expected to be published next month.

Jules Donaldson, a teacher from Sandwell, said: "Children in schools receive an education.

"This shouldn't be just about subjects and exams but should prepare them for life.

"They and their parents need to learn they cannot go around making allegations just for mischief.

"Perhaps teachers too need to be litigious at times."