Teachers and the Law

At the time of publication, Kim Insley was a tutor in the Department of Early Childhood and Primary Education at the Institute of Education, University of London.

Substantial new legal responsibilities have been imposed on schools and teachers. This book offers teachers in training a sound understanding of the new legal context in which their professional work is carried out.

The Training and Development Agency's new Professional Standards for teachers requires 'an up-to-date knowledge and understanding' of the law. But how can you know the law when it keeps changing? And how do you apply abstract legal guidelines to real-life situations? Teachers and the Law explains the basics and suggests simple strategies to help you understand the law and apply it effectively throughout your career. Features include: real-life examples that illustrate how teachers can apply statutory guidelines to everyday interactions with students, parents and colleagues, covering issues such as equal opportunities and health and safety; discussion of how to implement the National Curriculum and its assessment procedures in line with statutory requirements; a review of employment law for teachers, including an examination of teachers' pay and rights to preparation, planning and assessment (PPA); an easy-to-use format that highlights examples and allows practitioners to quickly find relevant passages; a useful guide to resources that teachers can consult to stay informed of changes in the law. Teachers and the Law is a practical guide that doesn't just explain the law; it teaches you how to understand it even as it changes and develops. It is an indispensable tool for all teachers, whether in training, just qualified or well established in the profession.

The Training and Development Agency's new Professional Standards for teachers requires 'an up-to-date knowledge and understanding' of the law. But how can you know the law when it keeps changing? And how do you apply abstract legal guidelines to real-life situations? Teachers and the Law explains the basics and suggests simple strategies to help you understand the law and apply it effectively throughout your career. Features include: real-life examples that illustrate how teachers can apply statutory guidelines to everyday interactions with students, parents and colleagues, covering issues such as equal opportunities and health and safety; discussion of how to implement the National Curriculum and its assessment procedures in line with statutory requirements; a review of employment law for teachers, including an examination of teachers' pay and rights to preparation, planning and assessment (PPA); an easy-to-use format that highlights examples and allows practitioners to quickly find relevant passages; a useful guide to resources that teachers can consult to stay informed of changes in the law. Teachers and the Law is a practical guide that doesn't just explain the law; it teaches you how to understand it even as it changes and develops. It is an indispensable tool for all teachers, whether in training, just qualified or well established in the profession.

Foreword by Sara Bubb Introduction How legislation works The roles of DCSF, GTC and the teaching unions Five key areas Using this book 1 The statutory basis for education The statutory basis for the operation of schools Attendance and discipline Home-school agreements Exclusions Corporal punishment Complaints Conclusion Notes 2 The curriculum and assessment The National Curriculum Religious education Sex education Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development Personal, social and health education, and Citizenship Sporting achievements The National Strategies Charging Assessment Conclusion Notes 3 Equal opportunities Special educational needs Disabilities Disapplication or modification of the National Curriculum Conclusion Notes 4 Health and safety In the classroom Outside the classroom School journeys, educational visits and risk assessments Child protection School security Conclusion Further guidance Notes 5 Employment Employment protection Disciplinary rules: grievances Discretionary elements of teachers' pay Qualified teacher status Appraisal Discrimination The working relationship Learning resources: copyright Safety Conclusion Notes Bibliography and further reading