Examples of circumstances in which the GTCE has taken disciplinary action

last updated:12 Oct 2009

This section provides samples of instances in which registered teachers have fallen seriously short of the expected standards of conduct and practice set out in this Code, and have had disciplinary action taken against them by the GTCE. The list of examples is not exhaustive, but is intended to help teachers and others to understand how GTCE disciplinary committees might interpret the principles set out in the Code.

1. Put the well-being, development and progress of children and young people first

The GTCE has taken action against teachers who have:

• engaged in inappropriate relationships with pupils
• failed to follow child protection procedures
• failed to safeguard the health and safety of pupils on school trips.

2. Take responsiblity for maintaining the quality of their teaching practice

The GTCE has taken action against teachers who have:

• demonstrated systematic inability to establish clear learning objectives or engage pupils in appropriate learning activities
• failed to operate effective assessment procedures, mark student work or differentiate between the learning needs of pupils
• taught with inadequate levels of subject knowledge.

3. Help chldren and young people to become confident and successful learners

The GTCE has taken action against teachers who have:

• repeatedly failed to adapt schemes of work to meet the needs and abilities of individual pupils
• continually failed to provide adequate feedback to students
• persistently failed to maintain student behaviour and interest.

4. Demonstrate respect for diversity and promote equality

The GTCE has taken action against teachers who have:

• behaved towards pupils, parents or carers in a  manner which is discriminatory in relation to gender, marital status, religion, belief, race, ethnicity, class or sexual orientation
• sworn at pupils or colleagues or made disparaging personal remarks about their appearance or background
• intimidated or provided inadequate support to children with special educational needs.

5. Strive to establish productive partnerships with parents and carers

The GTC has taken action against teachers who have:

• engaged in inappropriate contact with parents and carers
• made racist or sexist comments about parents or carers
• lent school property to parents and carers without permisison.

6. Work as part of a whole-school team

The GTCE has taken action against teachers who have:

• failed to follow absence reporting procedures
• demonstrated inability to lead a school or adequately manage a curriculum area
• failed to follow appropriate procedures for the recruitment, promotion, reward or discipline of staff.

7. Cooperate with other professional colleagues

The GTCE has taken action against teachers who have:

• failed to follow child protection procedures, where the involvement of outside agencies was required
• failed to follow procedures for providing a statement of special educational needs
• failed to work collaboratively with colleagues outside the school in relation to school trips.

8. Demonstrate honesty and integrity and uphold public trust and confidence in the teaching profession

The GTCE has taken action against teachers who have:

• used school administrative staff and facilities for private purposes
• accessed inappropriate material on the internet using school equipment
• falsified coursework or otherwise improperly benefited pupils in examinations
• falsified qualifications, references or misrepresented the pattern of employment in applying for posts.

Also relevant under this principle are examples of where the GTCE has taken disciplinary action with respect to criminal offending. Examples of relevant offences have included:

• benefit fraud
• indecent assault
• inflicting grievous bodily harm
• possession of prohibited firearms or illegal drugs.