To be shocked to learn that a teaching assistant take drugs at the weekend?

[LesleyPumpshaft]

Like the thread title says. Found out she takes cocaine and E's when she her family have her kids, so does her boyfriend, the rest of the time she is a complete piss-head.

She has also kids and lots of people seem to like her. She has not been sacked, so is obviously doing her job at the school.

None of my business what she gets up to I know, but AIU or naive to be rather shocked by this revelation?

[squeakytoy]

I dont think you can compare taking recreational drugs to robbing a house or shoplifting.

[sparkle12mar08]

Well I think it's disgraceful actually, and wouldn't hesitate to report someone to the HT if I had absolute concrete proof. But then I'm po-faced like that, apparently. It breaks all the professional and moral standards that should exist in schools.

[aldiwhore]

Ah squeakytoy so more of a chance encounter, well that's the chance you take! Interested to know how OP's mate knew exactly what drugs had been consumed... in all the gigs I've ever been to I don't think anyone has ever said "Oh hello, you're so and so's mum's friend, I'm off my face on x, y and z" and if that was the conversation, more fool her!

chandon of course you can do what you like at the weekend. Legal or otherwise, everyone can do whatever they want to do, but if what they do is illegal then they risk losing their job, so best to keep it descreet!

I agree that if it is proven that she has broken the law, then she should lose her job, BUT she isn't even going through the process of prosecution so that's a moot point. If someone has concerns about this, then someone should report it to the school, who should speak to the TA (the claims COULD be unfounded).

[squeakytoy]

It is not illegal to get absolutely shitfaced drunk, but I would rather spend time with someone who has done a line of coke, or smoked a spliff, than drank a bottle of scotch and is falling down drunk.

[Goldenbear]

Yes but if you're Doctor, nurse, teacher, policeman you know from the outset that alternative lifestyles that involve regular use of recreational drugs is not as acceptable as if you did a job that didn't involve caring for other people, being a pillar of society. Nightclub owner, office worker for instance are not held up in this way - choose jobs like that where no one is looking up to you or expecting care from you, if you want to take drugs.

[aldiwhore]

Agreed squeaky some laws are unjust and quite illogical.

But they're the laws, so if you break them you have to expect consequences could happen.

Re the whole come down thing, people react differently to different amounts.

[aldiwhore]

Goldenbear I have known a few very good nurses and Drs who take recreational drugs. I'm not saying it's right, but they still do their jobs well. Just like people who drink at the weekend still do their jobs. The fact that it's illegal and could cost them their job is indisputable, that is the risk they take with pretty stupid laws.

[sashh]

If you are upset at a TA taking drugs, don't enquire too closely about the staff in your local hospital.

[whatsforyou]

When you choose to work with children (and other groups) you accept that you are agreeing to that establishments code of conduct and if it is discovered you breach this then you could be dismissed. Whether it affects your work or not if you participate in an illegal activity and are found out then you are out!
I worked with a colleague once who had MS and asked 'theoretically' what would happen if the workplace discovered she used cannabis to help her symptoms, she was told that while they would have sympathy it was an illegal drug so she would be dismissed (so don't tell us ).
Most places are very black and white, maybe if you go to them and say you have an addiction that you want support with it's different but being caught out with a nose full of coke is pretty much a no no!

[squeakytoy]

I would just say that so long as the person in question is not under the influence of drink or drugs while engaged in their job, then it is nobody elses business.

Operating machinery, and operating on people are slightly different occupations where the bloodstream should really be clear of anything that may impair ability.

[Viviennemary]

But the point is she is breaking the law. And hasn't been caught. If the school knew about this would she still have a job. Or if she was convicted would she still have a job. No she wouldn't. How is this naive.

[aldiwhore]

whatsforyou I have no argument with that side of things, crazy laws but laws none the less.

[Birdsgottafly]

If she was a teacher, then she would be bound by a code of conduct, which does extend to outside work.

That is why members of the police, all tend to drink in the same pub or in each others homes, it is a safe environment to 'get off your face'.

[Birdsgottafly]

It is a bit ironic that most factories have random drug tests for workers, but hospitals wouldn't dare to do it.

[squeakytoy]

she is breaking the law, but the schools are not responsible for enforcing the law.. head teachers do not go wandering around nightclubs and pubs in plain clothes doing drug busts..

[Goldenbear]

Squeakytoy have you ever spent a lot of time with people that snort / smoke coke it is not a comparible experience to those smoking weed.

Doctors and nurses that taking drugs is well known. I don't see how they could be good at their job if they're taking drugs- functioning yes but not good.

[DorisBoltneck]

I would be bothered by the indiscretion TBH. Yes people do all sorts etc, etc, but if they can't manage to keep their private life private everyone has a right to comment on it and even 'judge' it

It's in my contract (not in education or medicine) that I agree not to behave in a way that could bring the organisation into disrepute.

I take that to mean that I can do what I want, as long as it remains private. It's common sense and a matter of personal integrity.

[Floggingmolly]

Was it the TA herself who offered you the coke? Did she recognise you?
She's a bit dim if she did.

[squeakytoy]

"Squeakytoy have you ever spent a lot of time with people that snort / smoke coke it is not a comparible experience to those smoking weed"

Yes, lots.... of both.

[Proudnscary]

Shocked? Not in the slightest!

TAs are human beings who do exist outside of school. And usually very young human beings. So it's likely quite a lot of them take recreational drugs.

I knew lots of medical students at university and they were the WORST at getting up to all sorts - some nicked drugs from work! Some went into a hospital shift after a night's clubbing and no sleep. Not great admittedly but it happened.

[Goldenbear]

If that's the case then you must have been joining in if you find the company of a coke head preferable to a drunk - surely there's nothing in both highly irritating in different ways!

[squeakytoy]

you do realise it is not actually illegal to TAKE drugs.. it is only illegal to be in possession of them or sell them..

[Goldenbear]

It wouldn't be shocked about medical students but a TA I would. They're not young at our school, alot of them are mums. I think if you're working directly and solely with children at best it's extremely distasteful at worse it is morally repugnant. Working with children/ recreational drug use- I don't get it I'm afraid it is just all wrong.

[Goldenbear]

Why is that relevant to the point I was making? The legality of drugs I don't care about. I would really be concerned if I saw my DS's TA snorting MDMA at a gig but it is very unlikely that I would be in that context.