Absence and Mental Health

The employee, a Class Teacher (CT), had been employed for 5+ years when the first allegation arose in July ‘23.  A student alleged that CT had responded inappropriately to a student’s verbal threat by matching it.

In response to this, the Deputy Head (DH) spoke to CT about it as an initial fact-finding discussion.  CT was very agitated and inappropriate in his response, stating that the police should be called, and the student arrested, but denying any inappropriate behaviour himself.  He focused on who had reported him, claiming it was a vendetta.

His behaviour quickly escalated to shouting and he left the classroom and moved to a very public area of the school, where students were present.  DH sought to calm the situation and was joined by the Welfare Officer (WO) who arrived to check everything was ok.  CT threatened this staff member during the interaction, which led to a request for CT to meet with the Headteacher (HT).

A second incident occurred in November ’23 during a three-day residential trip, led by the DH and supported by CT and WO.  There were reports received immediately that CT was acting unusually, undermining the purpose of the trip, refusing to be involved in activities, arguing with some site trainers and encouraging students to complain.

The DH and WO spoke to CT about his conduct at various points.  A heated discussion between all three members of staff took place in front of students.  That night CT sent a grievance to the HT.  DH and WO sent complaint letters to the HT the next day.  The trip ended and CT was signed off due to stress.