How am I covered for liability?

Schools must have employer liability insurance or be part of an LEA scheme. This means that, for most purposes, a teacher, including a supply teacher who is not necessarily strictly speaking a school's employee, is covered against third-party claims arising from school related business. Provided that you have not behaved illegally or dishonestly deliberately, you would normally be covered by this insurance. However, if you have been negligent in some way, your employer might take disciplinary action.

If you take pupils property into your safekeeping (including through confiscation) then you should be aware that the property becomes your personal responsibility and may well not be covered by the school's insurance policy. You should always ensure that any valuables are kept in a secure place within the school.

There is, however, one crucial aspect of insured liability for which you are personally responsible. If you take pupils in your OWN car, or otherwise use your vehicle on school business, you must check that you are covered by your motor insurer to do so. Do not assume that your normal motor insurance policy necessarily covers this. (DfES/260/2002)

Equal Opportunities & Education

The requirements for equal opportunities are underpinned by law. LEA's, governing bodies and teachers are bound by many of the provisions of human rights legislation/ The Human Rights Act, 1998, enshrines the European Convention on Human Rights in UK law. More specifically, there are UK laws that outlaw discrimination on the grounds of race, gender and disability.

For more information:
www.teachernet.gov.uk/teachinginengland/detail.cfm?id=236

Professional Associations

If you wish to gain assistance into understanding your professional and legal responsibilities whilst teaching in England then you may wish to contact the following professional associations:

Association of Teachers & Lecturers (ATL)
www.askatl.org.uk/

National Union of Teachers (NUT)
www.teachers.org.uk/

Professional Association of Teachers (PAT)
www.teachers.org.uk/