WWYD? Very serious

[Koncerned]

I am a teacher - no TLRs, not in position of responsibility.

A primary teacher from the school linked with my secondary school spoke to me about some concerns about a teacher who comes from my school to teach in the primary, to cover PPA in a specialist subject.

She is worried that the teacher is behaving very inappropriately. Firstly, she has heard her discussing inappropriate topics with primary kids - drug use and a couple of other things.

Secondly, she knows that the teacher screams at the kids - her classroom management is known to not be great, but seems to be even worse with the primary kids.

Finally, she has heard from more than one pupils that in the past (no evidence to go by, and 'difficult' kids, so not overly reliable info) she has hit them.

She has taken this to her head, who has dismissed it as unfounded rumour. I am not, as I said, in position of responsibility, but I know her socially and she spoke to me to ask what the best approach from a secondary POV is. She is worried about going over her head's head, so may or may not contact my school. I told her that she had to do something - school needs to know and it needs to be investigated. She's unsure.

Now I feel like I should say something. But to whom? This is third hand information and I have no real facts. Should I keep out of it, pass it on, or try to advise the primary teacher to do so?

[nameuschangeus]

Didn't want to read and run and I'm no expert but when I read that the first thing I thought was that I might put an anonymous letter forward listing these things. I'm sure you'll get better suggestions and I really hope you get this sorted out.

[Koncerned]

Thank you. I'm not sure an anonymous letter could be acted upon?

[Knowsabitabouteducation]

Your school should have a whistle blowing policy that you should follow.

[cat]

Be careful. My college didn't adhere to its whistle blowing policy when a reported a manager for use of racist language.

I ended up being bullied out of my job.

[cat]

I not a

[deleted203]

I'm afraid I would keep out of it. As you say, you have no information other than third hand gossip and I do not honestly see what you could add to this. Your friend has raised her concerns with her head, who has dismissed them. I think she needs to leave it there, unless any more incidents come to light in which case she could raise it again.

[BethFairbright]

Follow the whistle-blowing policy and tell your Head you're enacting it. If that isn't followed correctly, approach the governor with responsibility for safeguarding. You might also want to talk to the SLT lead for Safeguarding.

Document everything.

It's not an option to do nothing. You have an ethical responsibility to act on a safeguarding concern that has been communicated to you.

[karatekimmi]

Go to your union? I went to my excellent union rep when a situation between a pupil and a teacher became aware to me - again I had no proof, but she went to the appropriate channels and kept my name out of it. They might be able to do similar with you.

[alto1]

She's a teacher in your school so I would agree that you have a professional responsibility. Your school's safeguarding policy ought to make that explicit. You should be able to quote the safeguarding policy when you take your concerns to her manager. Running it by your Union rep would also be helpful.

Keeping out of it isn't an option and in my profession would lay you open to disciplinary action later, if it came to light that you hadn't reported your concerns.

This isn't 'third-hand gossip' - a professional colleague has told you that she has heard this teacher talking inappropriately.

From the tone of your posts I realise you do take your responsibilities seriously and want to report these concerns. It is very uncomfortable being in your position and I agree it's essential to write everything down - email it to yourself so it's all date-stamped, share it with your Union rep etc.

[Felicitywascold]

I would speak to your head/member of SMT you most trust.

I would make it clear it was an 'in confidence' conversation and that your motivation was concern and that you feel you cannot stand by and do nothing. Keep a note of the conversation and date.

It will be then be in the hands of the SMT at your school to deal with.