weightoftheworldonthesupplyteachersshoulders ·
09/06/2023 11:40
Recently, a Year 7 child alleged that in the passing of a chair to her, that I caught her hip and bumped her which resulted in harm, and the investigation concluded that that is what happened, that the claim is substantiated, though no harm was intended.
No bodily marks or visible injury was found. I am surprised by this outcome and did not see this coming.
I barely even remember the handover of the chair as it was so mundane, routine and bereft of incident. She also didn't communicate to me that I had hurt her, so I had no idea.
I am still not too sure whether that this accusation is a vindictive and recriminatory act because earlier I asked her to leave my classroom, or whether the chair genuinely made contact.
I am very devoted to children and their safeguarding and welfare. When I worked as a swim teacher for years, I had lots of physical contact with children (due to deep water and keeping them from going under) and never ever have I been accused of being too rough with a child.
I understand that this is part and parcel of the supply teaching profession, and is driving many teachers away.
I accept that it is possible I accidentally hurt her in the passing of the chair to her, but I absolutely did not mean to harm this child and nothing like this has ever happened in my 6 years of teaching.
Does anyone know if this will have to be disclosed in a reference? I have already been suspended without pay for over a month and lost thousands of pounds in wages, and I am wondering where to go from here.
There is a meeting on Monday to discuss whether or not I'm sacked, but I was advised that since it was accidental and not serious harm, that I will have training and stay on as a supply teacher.