Press Release

TEACHERS NEED TO UNDERSTAND THE LAW TO AVOID ‘TRICKY SITUATIONS’

13 February 2008

Is it OK for a teacher to give a child a pat on the back? What should a teacher do if an angry parent storms off leaving her young daughter behind? Can a parent sue the school if a child jams her finger in a classroom door?
 
In our more and more litigation-oriented culture, teachers need to appreciate what the law allows and prohibits as well as how to deal with accusations, threats and other tricky situations.
 
A new book from the Institute of Education gives new and experienced teachers an understanding of the law as it applies to education so that they can apply it day-to-day throughout their careers.
 
Teachers and the Law by Kim Insley, a specialist in teachers’ professional development, contains:

• real-life examples that illustrate how teachers can apply legal guidelines to everyday interactions with students, parents and colleagues
• 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
• a guide to resources that teachers can consult to stay informed of changes in the law.

Kim Insley, who wrote the book with guidance from her lawyer husband, says: “Information regarding the law for teachers doesn’t always help because it can be inaccessible, and the law change all the time. Teachers and the Law aims to support everyone working in schools by clarifying how the law might affect us in whatever part of teaching we are working in.”
 
Teachers and the Law is published by the Institute of Education, priced £14.99.