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What would you do?
The Code of Professionalism and Conduct encourages members of the Profession to use common sense and good professional judgement in the face of the many challenges they encounter day in and day out. Many of these situations arise outwith the school day, even when proper procedures have been carried out and adhered to.
We'd like to initiate a discussion as to how readers might see the Code applying to the following theoretical situation and what might be the best strategy a teacher might adopt in addressing it:
The school camp has just ended and, at around 10pm, pupils have arrived back to school to be met by parents. In spite of arrangements made, three pupils are still awaiting their lifts home. After some further time has elapsed, one of the pupils suggests that as they all live close to each other and it is on the teacher's way home, perhaps the teacher might consider giving them all a lift.
Discussion Outcome
There were some very positive and constructive feedback received which reflected a lot of common sense but also recognised the difficult judgements teachers have to make.
Teachers have a very clear duty of care and cannot simply walk away and leave children at risk. Giving lifts should be a last resort and therefore being able not only to explain your actions but also to demonstrate that all reasonable steps were taken to manage the situation will hold you in good stead. Your first port of call should be to make the most of the family contact information already provided and additional steps might include contacting a member of school management to let them know about the situation you have been placed in. If all fails and the only alternative is to give a lift in your car, make sure that another adult comes with you, especially if only one pupil is being transported.
Remember giving a lift home to pupils could be considered as using your car for work purposes so consider whether your car insurance will cover you. This will need to be adequate to cover pupils as passengers.
Managing a situation like this is really a matter of commonsense and balance as the helpful comments to Teaching Scotland from practising teachers show. If you are unsure about anything do not hesitate to seek advice from a senior colleague.