Name changed for this thread, more of a WWYD than an AIBU.
I've recently been promoted to head of department at a school, not in the UK. This is my first time doing any kind of management.
We have a new colleague with us, he doesn't have much experience but seems to work hard and wants to learn. I noticed immediately that he displays some odd behaviour, for example he repeats himself often and I sometimes have to say things several times before he gets the point. Yesterday however, he suddenly started repeating the same phrase over and over again while a group of us were chatting in the office, we stopped and asked if he was ok, he shook his head and seemed confused but after a few minutes he rejoined the conversation as though nothing had happened.
My first question is - has anyone seen this type of behaviour before, and could it be something potentially dangerous for someone working with children? Secondly, should I ask him about it directly from the perspective of supporting him?
I should add that he isn't solely responsible for any classes, my first concern is the students but I also want to do the right thing for everyone involved.