A head teachers union has warned that schools could face massive bills for damages from the parents of bullied children, after the new Human Rights Act comes into force in October.

The National Association of Head Teachers says that under the Act, a school's failure to deal with bullies could count as "degrading treatment" and is calling for the Government to strengthen the powers of head teachers to expel pupils who bully.

Last week the Government issued new guidance which gave more power to schools to expel unruly pupils. The association wants the guidance to be extended to cover school bullies.

General secretary of the asssociation David Hart said: "Last week's government policy change was a big step in the right direction, but more needs to be done.

"In particular the Government has failed to take account of the consequence of the Human Rights Act. Serious bullying and racial/sexual harrassment are particularly nasty forms of degrading treatment caught by the Act.

"Whether we like it or not we have to appreciate the fact that we live in an increasingly litigious society.

"Schools, local authorities and appeal panels all have to recognise that failure to deal firmly with cases of degrading treatment meted out by pupils could lead to claims for damages."

The association is planning to contact Education Secretary David Blunkett to make sure that bullying, racial and sexual harassment are covered by the latest Government guidance on explusions.

Reasons to exclude child, according to last week's guidance, are: