Scottish teachers are at risk of being suspended or even prosecuted for carrying out their duties in implementing school behaviour policies, according to one of Scotland’s teaching unions.
The NASUWT is calling for schools, councils and the Scottish Government to provide guidance to teachers about how to correct behaviour without leaving themselves vulnerable to allegations of misconduct from parents and students.
They claim that, while under investigation, teachers can be unfairly subjected to reputational and legal damages which can endure regardless of the investigation’s outcome.
The union plans to discuss the issue at their annual conference in Aberdeen on Friday and Saturday, May 12 and 13.
Despite the union’s calls for better protection for teachers, General Secretary Dr Patrick Roach made it clear that they aren’t asking for free rein in interacting with students.
“Of course it is vitally important that teachers act responsibly, lawfully and safely in all their interactions with pupils,” he said.
