When I was teaching, fear of paedophilia was really impacting the relationship of teachers with children. I did a uni course with one guy who was accused by a couple of year six girls, wanting to make trouble. He was cleared (the girls confessed), but it was getting to the point he was going to have to leave work, because he just couldn't be trusted. Even I was aware that I couldn't be alone in the classroom with anyone, and got a little scared when one of the little kids wanted to have a cuddle.

It's a shame. One of the best things about teaching was the hugs, the cuddles, the kids who needed to hold your hand or sit on your lap (some kids are fantastic masseurs, I got some terrific shoulder rubs). How sad that when you're working with five and six year olds, you don't feel free to give them a hug any more. They're still little kids, they still need to have affection and care to thrive. Terrible, bloody terrible.

There's no doubt that there are people that prey on children, and they should be stopped. But to stop innocent people from giving children the love and care they need is just as wrong, I think.