Is this a safeguarding issue

[CandyLeBonBon]

Hi
A TA at my DD's high school has just left. No longer a TA - doing something different I think.

My DD really liked her (I've never met her) and asked for her email. TA gave it to her and they've been chatting. I've read the emails, and there's nothing untoward but I feel very uncomfortable about this and feel it's crossing a safeguarding boundary - if it was public befriending on SM (no option toDM) I'd be fine as it's visible, but this feels off - must adults don't want or need 14y/o pupils as friends.

Am I being overly cautious or would you also be concerned that this is a breach of safeguarding boundaries and probably unethical?

It’s really off and I think it’s worrying that the TA doesn’t realise this.

There is a difference between a teacher staying in touch with an ex pupil, once the pupil is over 18, and with a child still in school.

@CandyLeBonBon well done. Glad the school
is supportive so far.

When l was teaching in 2021, we had to wait a period of 2 years after leaving/kids leaving before we were allowed to contact them on social media. I’m fairly sure the same rule must stil apply. I know email
isnt sm but it’s still contact.

I’d be well concerned.

Director of safeguarding was very helpful and said they'd be making a discreet call to the ex staff member in question. I said I'm sure it was a naive desire to offer a friendly ear and she perhaps hadn't thought through the implications but obviously these policies are in place to protect both parties.

I told dd that policy prevents it, and that whilst I didn't believe there were any nefarious intentions, safeguarding rules are put in place so that those who DO have ill intent, can't fall through the cracks.

She understood and we've left it there. So all's well that ends well and once dd is 18, then she can keep in touch with whomever she likes.

You did a great job of safeguarding your child. Happy Mothers Day. ❤️

@CandyLeBonBon
Did the school’s Safeguarding Policy actually forbid this contact when it’s an ex employee? I’d be surprised if it covered ex staff. The contact you describe is not desirable, I agree, but I don’t think schools can tell ex staff what to do based on a policy that no longer applies to them. The school certainly can do what they have suggested. It’s the right thing to do. They also need to make it clear to students about swapping emails. You did, of course, find out about this but I do think more work with dd is necessary. Have you read the safeguarding policy for your school?