Seven Wolverhampton teachers in sexual misconduct claims

A further 30 students have been excluded from council run schools, permanently or for a fixed period for sexual misconduct in the same period.

Six of the seven teachers suspended however have since returned to work. None of the teachers were sacked.

Wolverhampton council declined to say what kind of offences 'sexual misconduct' would entail.

According to the Freedom of Information request, two of the cases involving teachers also involved four-year-old children, including one where the child was deemed at risk and was refereed to child protection.

Four of the cases involved a female pupil and a male teacher, two involved a male pupil and a female teacher and one involved a male pupil and a male teacher.

The complaint that led to a teacher's resignation was a 15-year-old female pupil and a male teacher.

Two of the children involved in the 17 allegations made between September 2013 and July 2015 were referred to child protection and were deemed 'at risk' at the time of their referral.

Wolverhampton South East MP Pat McFadden said: "I am sure people will read these figures with concern. It is important that there is proper conduct and disciplined behaviour shown in schools.

"People want to think of schools as a place for learning and not a place where misconduct like this can take place.

"It is also important that pupils are not in a position where they feel frightened at school."

Of the children who were excluded, one was excluded permanently, one for six days, seven for five days, eight for three days, six for two days and six for one day.

One of those excluded for three days was a six-year-old.

Wolverhampton council insist that they take allegations of sexual misconduct 'very seriously' and that proper safeguarding is in place.