SCHOOLS were handed new guidance on dealing with staff disciplinary procedures in the wake of the Marjorie Evans court case when she was falsely accused of slapping a pupil.

An investigation ordered by ministers into the ordeal of the Monmouthshire head teacher highlighted the need for schools and governors to have full guidance on dealing with such situations.

Mrs Evans was suspended from St Mary's Junior School in Caldicot for 18 months and was eventually cleared on appeal of slapping a 10-year-old pupil.

The draft guidelines aim to provide comprehensive advice to school governors on all aspects of staff disciplinary procedures.

It says governors must ensure disciplinary procedures are completed "without delay". And it calls for serious consideration before a decision to suspend a member of staff.

"An over-hasty or ill-judged decision to suspend a member of staff could have a detrimental effect on that member of staff's career. It is, at the very least, likely to be a traumatic experience for the individual concerned, and for pupils and staff," it states.

Assembly education minister Jane Davidson said: "It has been prepared in and for Wales and I hope it provides what governing bodies have been looking for."

A consultation period ends on January 2 next year. Full guidelines are expected to be issued in March.