TEACHING unions in Wales are calling for a review of the way allegations against teachers are handled.

This follows the news that Gwent Crown Prosecution Service is to take no action following a police investigation into an allegation of assault against a Caldicot head teacher.

The Argus exclusively revealed yesterday that police had sent a file to the CPS in relation to an alleged assault on a pupil, 11-year-old Joanna Stainthorp, by Marjorie Evans at St Mary's Junior School - but the CPS said there was "insufficient evidence" to proceed.

Four years ago, Mrs Evans, pictured, was convicted and later cleared of slapping a ten-year-old boy at her school.

Anne Hovey, regional officer for the National Association of Headteachers in Wales, said: "I believe the entire procedure needs to be overhauled and reviewed.

"Different levels of allegation need to be treated in a way that is proportionate and appropriate.

"We have a number of members currently subject to varying degrees of allegation but, overall, the time taken to investigate them is excessive.

"Even the most trivial of allegations can attract the most rigorous of investigation.

"There is little or scant attention paid to circumstances or to checking out some of the basic facts before a police investigation begins.

"On my books I have somebody who has suffered extremely serious heart problems as a result of allegations made about him and may never be able to return to work.

"The allegations against him come within the lowest category of assault."

Gethin Lewis, secretary of Mrs Evans' union, the National Union of Teachers Cymru, said: "The allegation made against Mrs Evans was made in September, 2003 and it is only now that she has been told that there is no case to answer.

"The stress which this has caused is unreasonable and unacceptable.

"We are seeking an urgent meeting with the chief executive of Monmouthshire county council to discuss procedures."

Mr Lewis added that he was keen to emphasise the council had acted properly and the investigation had been handled by senior officers of Gwent Police.

Monmouth AM David Davies, supporting the calls, said: "We have to start showing teachers more support."