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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to think my school should have a whistle blowing policy?

11 replies

MummySparkle · 16/05/2018 22:37

Just that really. I work in a school, currently there are 2 of us in the department. I have concerns over some of the head of department's practices. He started in January so is still relatively new to the school, but an experienced teacher and also did his tea her training with our headteacher.

I had to go directly against him a few weeks ago when he asked me not to report to the exams officer that a student was using a mobile phone in their GCSE exam (I was invigilating). There are other aspects of questionable practice, but this time are his fault for misinforming students. I am concerned about going to the exams officer, because there is a potential for the entire year group to be disqualified. But, I need to ensure that this doesn't happen again.

I've looked into whistle blowing in the school. The only mention I can find is in the finance section of the handbook and says:
'
'In the event that members of staff, parents or Governors become aware of activities which give cause for concern, the whistle blowing policy acts as a framework for such concern to be raised confidentially and provides a thorough and appropriate investigation of the matter to bring it to a satisfactory conclusion.'

But there is no whistle blowing policy to be found. I'm not sure where to go with this or what to do. Can I email HR and say 'oh hi, can you send me a copy of the whistle blowing policy please? Thanks!' Surely that's just going to raise questions

OP posts:
ColdCottage · 16/05/2018 22:39

I would email the teachers union

QueenofLouisiana · 16/05/2018 22:42

Yes, you should have one. My school’s is in the staff room.

Neolara · 16/05/2018 22:42

It's not statutory but I agree, the school should have one..

thegreylady · 16/05/2018 22:43

As the invigilator it was your responsibility to report the mobile phone usage to the Exams Officer at once. It isn’t ‘whistle blowing’ it is very clearly specified in the instructions for invigilators handbook which should be in every exam room. The rules re phones are outside every room where an exam is in progress. Your not reporting is a very very serious matter and nothing to do with your HoD.

BlueSuffragette · 16/05/2018 22:43

Yes defo should have one as part of the safeguarding procedures.

Ragusa · 16/05/2018 22:46

I dont think it's Clear that OP gave in to the HoD, @thegreylady . I ead that as she had gone against him and gone to the exams officer. I would discuss this issue with your union urgently as a PP has said and alsoninform your head what is going on.

MummySparkle · 16/05/2018 22:56

To be clear I most definitely did report the mobile phone usage and that student has now been disqualified from the subject. Although HoD tried to guilt me into not saying anything. 'It was a silly mistake, student was remorseful, there is nothing that the student could have gained through using a mobile in our subject exam, it could have a massive impact on the students exams, job prospects etc'

The whistle blowing is around other aspects of HoD's interpretation of the exam guidelines.

Talking to my union is a great idea - I hadn't thought of that. Technically I'm support staff so my union isn't just for education, but I know they have an education section. I will email tomorrow

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Ragusa · 16/05/2018 23:03

There is Joint Council for Qualificiations guidance on both whistleblowing and on malpractice hang on I will dig it out.

higgyyellow · 16/05/2018 23:14

I thought the GCSE's just started this week?

MummySparkle · 16/05/2018 23:24

Ours isn't a written GCSE exam higgyyellow each centre sets their own dates for it.

ragusa those guides are fab - thank you! It looks like I can contact a malpractice expert at the exam board anonymously too for advice

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