Massive' child abuse scandal in France as school staff investigated for violence and sexual assault

Paris police are investigating more than 100 allegations of mistreatment, physical violence, and rape of children as young as three by school monitors during lunch breaks, nap times, and after-school activities. Prosecutors confirmed investigations are under way in 84 preschools, about 20 primary schools, and about 10 daycare centres. Lawyers said allegations include rape of children aged three and four. Parents’ groups said they had long pushed for allegations to be taken seriously and blamed failures in recruitment and background checking for allowing abuse to continue. School monitors are adults responsible for children during daily routines and may spend more time with children than teachers. They are recruited by city hall or local authorities, often without training or professional diplomas, and are increasingly hired casually and paid by the hour.

"School monitors are adults who are in charge of children during lunch, breaktime, naps and after-school activities, sometimes spending more time with children than teachers. They are not employed directly by schools or the education ministry, but are instead recruited by city hall or local authorities often without training or professional diplomas and increasingly on a casual basis, with many paid by the hour."

Read at www.theguardian.com