BEIJING — The State Council, China’s cabinet, has dispatched a team of inspectors to check on teacher ethics and work styles across the country, in an effort to prevent child abuse in kindergartens.

The State Council has required immediate punishment and rectification of any problems discovered during the inspections.

The State Council’s office for education supervision issued a notice on Nov 24 ordering special inspections of all kindergartens across the country.

The move follows reports last week of child abuse at an RYB Education New World Kindergarten in Beijing.

Police said on Nov 28 evening they had not found any evidence that the children had been sexually exploited.

According to police, the investigation showed that a female teacher surnamed Liu, 22, allegedly using sewing needles to “discipline” children who would not sleep. Liu has been detained.