behaviour

Can I refuse to teach a disruptive class or pupil?

You may teach a class or specific pupils which provide you with behavioural difficulties. This might have a detrimental impact on your health and well-being. You are entitled to work in an environment free from violence and disruption and to appropriate access to training and support.

Dealing with difficult parents

You should be free of fear of abuse from parents at your school. There might be instances when you encounter aggressive behaviour or harassment from parents. This could be at parents’ evenings, receiving abusive emails or phone calls, angry parents at the school gates to even parents posting negatively about you on social media.

How can I manage classroom behaviour effectively?

Managing classroom behaviour effectively can be a difficult skill to master, especially in schools where high expectations are not consistently applied.

Reasonable force in the classroom

Reasonable force in the classroom can be a subject which may cause confusion. You may be involved in situations where you have to physically move pupils due to safety concerns for yourself and others. You might be apprehensive to do so and might be unsure about what you are allowed to do.

Searching pupils at school

There may be some situations where you might have to search a pupil due to safety concerns. The Department for Education (DfE) has issued powers to schools which allows school staff to search pupils with or without their consent.

What should I do if I have been assaulted by a pupil?

In the unfortunate event you have been physically assaulted by a pupil you will want to know how to proceed at your school. You will most likely feel shaken and may be apprehensive to continue teaching the same pupil, class or to return to teaching. Your school should have policies and procedures in place to ensure that you can teach safely and not be at risk of assault or intimidation by pupils.