Is this inappropriate? Do I need to report it?

[LL1906]

I work in a secondary school. I recently found out that one of my colleagues (who works for a charity that supports vulnerable pupils) has been texting a year 9 pupil from her personal phone.

For context this young person is extremely vulnerable, and this colleague is off on maternity leave. Colleague text pupil pics of new baby along with lots of other texts, I’m in no way thinking that there is anything sinister.. just inappropriate?

it just feels like it’s crossing the line massively. Should I report this?

Yes. If nothing else (and I believe there should be more), they need additional safeguarding training.

Absolutely you must. Wildly inappropriate.

This needs reporting to your HT in the first instance. It may also warrant involving the LADO. It is incredibly inappropriate.

Of course you do, all the more so as the recipient is vulnerable!

Also the new Safeguarding guidance includes reporting 'lower level' inappropriate behaviour that doesn't meet the threshold of an allegation, including secretive 1-to-1s, favouritism, being too close with students, etc. This falls into that in the best case scenario.