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Professional and Legal Responsibilities

As a responsible professional it is important that you are aware of your professional and legal responsibilities whilst teaching in the UK. Never assume that these are the same or similar to your home country.


Core Responsibilities

  • Planning and Preparing courses and lessons
  • Teaching, according to the educational needs, the pupils assigned. This also includes the setting and marking of work completed by the pupils.
  • Assessing, recording and reporting on the development, progress and attainment of pupils
  • Upholding approved school policies

Further responsibilities include::

  • participate in public examinations and assessment procedures
  • keep records
  • write reports
  • communicate with parents and attend meetings
  • attend staff meetings
  • attend assemblies
  • contribute to personal and colleagues appraisals
  • review methods of teaching
  • undertake further professional development
  • cover classes for absent colleagues
  • carry out associated administrative and organisational duties associated with the above tasks.

Can I restrain pupils physically?

Corporal punishment is banned in all schools across the UK. Physical force should not be used except in self-defence or an emergency, where a teacher may have to react quickly to prevent injury.

You should be aware that your actions must be considered and appropriate; using excessive force in a situation where it is NOT appropriate can result in disciplinary action or criminal charges.

The Education Act, 1997, (www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1997/1997044.htm) added a section to the 1996 Act to clarify when teachers may use physical force to restrain a pupil. It allows teachers to use 'reasonable force' to prevent a pupil from:

  • committing a criminal office
  • injuring themselves or others
  • damaging property
  • acting in a way that is counter to maintaining good order and discipline at the school

What might be considered as reasonable physical interventions? (Circulary10/98-para.21)

  • physically interposing between pupils
  • blocking a students path
  • holding
  • pushing or pulling
  • leading a pupil by the hand or arm
  • Shepherding a pupil away by placing a hand in the centre of the back, of (in extreme circumstances) using more restrictive holds.

Important Note: Teachers should always employ other strategies before resorting to using reasonable physical restraint.

For more in-depth information:

www.dfes.gov.uk/publications/guidanceonthelaw/10_98/summary.htm



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