By Blessing Nweke
A school assistant in Paris is set to stand trial on Tuesday over allegations of sexually mistreating several young children under his care, in a case that has intensified concerns about child safety in the French capital’s school system.
The accused worker, employed at the Alphonse Baudin junior school in Paris’s 11th arrondissement, allegedly engaged in inappropriate touching involving five children during after-school activities. The trial is part of a wider scandal involving animateurs — non-teaching assistants responsible for supervising children during meal breaks and after classes.
Authorities are currently investigating complaints linked to nearly 100 schools, kindergartens and crèches across Paris. Several other trials connected to similar accusations are expected later this year, while police recently detained 16 people during raids at schools in the city’s 7th arrondissement.
Parents say the scandal has created fear and mistrust throughout the school community. One father described how his four-year-old daughter revealed troubling behaviour after another parent reported alleged abuse. “That’s when we knew something was wrong,” he said.
Critics blame poor recruitment standards, low pay and inadequate supervision for the crisis. According to campaign group SOS-Périscolaire, many assistants receive minimal training before working with children.
Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire has promised reforms, including €20 million for staff training and stricter monitoring procedures. Nearly 80 assistants have already been suspended this year following complaints.
Meanwhile, school assistants argue they are increasingly facing suspicion and unfair treatment, with unions warning against assumptions of guilt before investigations are completed.
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