The Employment Relations Authority has awarded thousands of dollars to an early childhood teacher who was dismissed over claims she smacked children in her care.
The woman was dismissed in October last year following an investigation into the claims, which included an accusation that she hit one child across the head.
The authority says the early childhood centre could not justify its decision to fire the teacher because it could not prove the claims of serious misconduct.
The authority also raises questions about the evidence of a parent who reported two alleged cases of smacking.
It says the Teacher's Registration Board is investigating the teacher as a result of the dismissal, which could damage her ability to earn a living in her chosen career.
The authority has awarded her the equivalent of three months in lost wages, plus $7000 in compensation.
