Teachers to report suspected abuse under draft code of conduct

TEACHERS will have to report suspected abuse or other issues affecting student welfare under a draft code of conduct being considered for the profession.

The Teaching Council has drafted the code of professional conduct in its role as the regulatory body for teachers, and will have powers to decide on fitness to practice in the same manner as the Medical Council can investigate allegations against doctors.

The draft is being circulated for discussion, along with a code of professional practice, ahead of finalised codes being published early next year. A series of regional meetings where teachers can debate the codes will be held in the coming months.