Aberdeen tutor cleared of charges

I've been following the story of Stewart MacKenzie with interest. Not only does the story affect me on the account of the fact it relates to tutoring, MacKenzie lives in Aberdeen, my hometown. Details of the case can be found here - http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/scotland/north_east_orkney_and_shetland/10208299.stm
http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1763736

The story raises a number of issues within the tutoring industry. The first is that any allegations made against tutors are worrying - whether they are proved to be correct or false. We all have a duty to protect ourselves and our pupils. I do not comprehend how touching a pupil on the leg could be deemed necessary in any circumstances, let alone in order to give encouragement. Physical contact is not required for tutoring maths and touching pupils in such a way will inevitably leave tutors open to allegations from pupils.

The second concern is that stories like this impact us all as a tutor and damage the reputation of the industry. Of course, it is right that complaints to the police should be made where there are any allegations of criminal practice and these must be fully investigated by the police. When stories like these hit the media, they ought to serve as a wake-up call to the media. Who am I allowing into my home to tutor my child? Do I feel comfortable leaving my child with this tutor? What do I know about his/her background? It is questions like these which should be in the minds of all parents looking for a tutor.

I am in no doubt that there are a great number of people tutoring who should not be in a position to do so. Again, we must ask ourselves why do we fail to implement a compulsary vetting or registration scheme for tutors? Tutors' Alliance continues to believe that only the implementation of such a system will be the first step in making the tuition industry safer for pupils and for tutors.