Is this unprofessional?

[missfoster]

I have name changed and would like advice on this Hypothetical situation....

Pgce student, female in early 20s is being mentored by experienced female teacher in mid 30s. PGCE student is doing well but at points finds it tough and in particular has classes that are pushing the boundaries. Student gets lots of support from mentor.

At the end of an especially hard day, PGCE student cried and mentor comforts her and gives student a cuddle.

Is this cuddling unprofessional?

Not unprofessional in the least! What a bizarre way of thinking!

Myself and my colleagues have given each other hugs at points when someone has been upset! We are human.

The only time I wouldn't is if I knew a person didn't like physical contact - I worked with someone like this. Lovely person but she just didn't like that contact so a respected that.

Probably technically unprofessional but if a human cries in front of another human it's rather inhumane not to comfort them. It's a school where people should be nurtured.

Did SLT say cuddle?
I only ask because to me there's a difference between a cuddle and a hug.

A hug more like 'crap day/good news quick arm round hug and move on'
Cuddle to me is more 'sit with arms aroubd each other, standing snuggling'

If I saw colleagues cuddling then I would think it was a bit unprofessional because it's awkward.
But hugs are perfectly reasonable.

Not at all, no.