Date of Publication: July 07, 2025
That the registered teacher, while employed as the Principal of a primary school:
- During the period of in or around February 2019 to on or around 25 June 2019, failed to inform the parents of a nine-year-old student with Autism Spectrum Disorder that:
a) it had been reported to the Principal verbally and/or in writing that an alleged incident had occurred on or around 5 February 2019, whereby a class teacher removed the ear defenders from the student without any warning or notice, and/or shouted at the student; and/or
b) a complaint had been made to the Principal by a member of staff arising from the incident referred to at (a) above
The Panel found that the above proven allegation amounts to poor professional performance.
The Panel also made findings in relation to breaches of the Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers updated 2nd edition, 2016 (the “Code”) as follows:
- The allegation constitutes a breach of paragraph 3.2 of the Code which states that “teachers should take all reasonable steps in relation to the care of pupils/students under their supervision, so as to ensure their safety and welfare”
- The allegation constitutes a breach of paragraph 3.5 of the Code which states that “teachers should report, where appropriate, incidents or matters which impact on pupil/student welfare;
- The allegation constitutes a breach of paragraph 3.6 of the Code which states that “teachers should communicate effectively with pupils/students, colleagues, parents, school management and others in the school community in a manner that is professional, collaborative and supportive, and based on trust and respect;
- The allegation constitutes a breach of paragraph 4.8 of the Code which states that “teachers should act in the best interest of pupils/students”.
Following the Inquiry, the Panel of the Disciplinary Committee decided to impose a sanction of admonishment.