As if schools didn’t already have their work cut out for them controlling the behaviour of their students, they’re now trying to discipline parents too. The head of Mishcon de Reya’s education department says his firm is being asked by headteachers in both the private and state sectors to help draw up codes of conduct for parents’ WhatsApp groups.
As he says, ‘Schools are very concerned about the impact on staff, and being held liable, for what’s been said in class WhatsApp groups.’ Operative phrase there: being held liable.
Demanding parents subscribe to a ‘code of conduct’ is, apparently, the best way to make sure you’re not held responsible for the actions of a parent. That is, when staff are bullied or defamed in class WhatsApp groups, heads fear the school will end up at a tribunal or in court.
As we read week in, week out, school budgets struggle to keep teachers paid adequately for the work they do, half the buildings are falling down, and the explosion of Special Educational Needs is outpacing the available provision nationwide.
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