No details on alleged abuse by teachers

The Department of Education and Children won't reveal how many allegations of abuse were made against teachers, because it might reveal personal information.

A Freedom of Information request asked how many complaints against school staff had been made about physical, sexual, verbal and emotional abuse.

It also wanted to know how many teachers had been investigated, disciplined and prosecuted as a result.

However, the department says there have been less than half a dozen in five years - and so giving exact numbers might identify individuals.