Accused of assault
Discussion
I work in middle management In a challenging comprehensive school. Earlier this week when trying to speak to a 13 yr old about his incorrect uniform, he wouldn't stop to speak but instead, as he drew level with me, put up his middle finger towards my face. He and his friends carried on walking, laughing. I asked him to stop twice more which he didn't, so I followed him 2 or 3 steps, reached out and put my left hand on his arm as i spoke to him. He ripped his arm away shouting "don't f xxx ing touch me' . I let him walk away to cool off.
I took him ot of lesson with another member of staff 5 minutes later and when on his own, read him the riot act. This boy I must add, is involved in behavioural incidents on an almost daily basis. His single mother parent is rarely supportive of the school, often blaming us, as many others do.
Later that day I was informed by the Head that he had made a complaint of assault from when I had placed my hand on his arm. That was 3 days ago, and his mother has kept him from school since. I was told by the Head not to worry as it would go nowhere.
Yesterday morning I was again spoken to by the Head who stated that all witness statements from children and staff, match up with my account and not his. I was also told that all was captured on cctv including the middle finger gesture and the alleged assault where it actually shows that I merely gently pulled hold of the bottom of his sleeve of his blazer with my thumb and index finger and didn't even hold his arm before he pulled away.
Then lunchtime yesterday I was informed by the Head that the boys mother had reported me to the police for assault, saying that during this incident I had pushed and grabbed him and had caused bruising and scratches to his arm. The police had contacted the school for my details. The head said to not worry as they had a meeting with mum and police set up on Monday and were going to show them cctv which she is unaware of. He says all will be dropped, but in meantime as part of procedure removed my safeguarding access to all children's files.
I requested to leave early, which I did. The fact that a mother and child have fabricated or created an injury for whatever reason could have had severe consequences for me and my family if it were not for CCTV. I have said I won't be back in until after their meeting Monday and I know the result of it and what actions are taken. I have received a number of private supportive messages from many angry members of staff since.
Obviously not slept well last night due to this early post, but I just wondered if there were any school staff or legal bods on here who could please give advice I could take fwd. At a bit of a loss to be honest and considering the severity of their allegation, would hate for it to be swept under the carpet. Ps, I am not part of the union.
Many thanks
I took him ot of lesson with another member of staff 5 minutes later and when on his own, read him the riot act. This boy I must add, is involved in behavioural incidents on an almost daily basis. His single mother parent is rarely supportive of the school, often blaming us, as many others do.
Later that day I was informed by the Head that he had made a complaint of assault from when I had placed my hand on his arm. That was 3 days ago, and his mother has kept him from school since. I was told by the Head not to worry as it would go nowhere.
Yesterday morning I was again spoken to by the Head who stated that all witness statements from children and staff, match up with my account and not his. I was also told that all was captured on cctv including the middle finger gesture and the alleged assault where it actually shows that I merely gently pulled hold of the bottom of his sleeve of his blazer with my thumb and index finger and didn't even hold his arm before he pulled away.
Then lunchtime yesterday I was informed by the Head that the boys mother had reported me to the police for assault, saying that during this incident I had pushed and grabbed him and had caused bruising and scratches to his arm. The police had contacted the school for my details. The head said to not worry as they had a meeting with mum and police set up on Monday and were going to show them cctv which she is unaware of. He says all will be dropped, but in meantime as part of procedure removed my safeguarding access to all children's files.
I requested to leave early, which I did. The fact that a mother and child have fabricated or created an injury for whatever reason could have had severe consequences for me and my family if it were not for CCTV. I have said I won't be back in until after their meeting Monday and I know the result of it and what actions are taken. I have received a number of private supportive messages from many angry members of staff since.
Obviously not slept well last night due to this early post, but I just wondered if there were any school staff or legal bods on here who could please give advice I could take fwd. At a bit of a loss to be honest and considering the severity of their allegation, would hate for it to be swept under the carpet. Ps, I am not part of the union.
Many thanks
Edited by Bingobobster on Saturday 21st May 06:15
That is really infuriating. Hope all goes well. Why it’s always this type of behaviour so predictable from the same type of children? Education starts at home! If my son came to school complaining about assault I would discuss with school, see all the evidence and then tell him off. If the mother has that attitude, his own behaviour is easy to explain. What a dick!
I’m surprised that you even considered grabbing his arm, no matter how lightly and inoffensively. That sort of reaction from the kid and his mum is entirely predictable. I’m not a teacher, but my FiL was, and any transgressions with regards to uniform certainly wouldn’t have been dealt with in a school corridor. It would’ve been a head teacher contacting the parent/s. A troubled, hormone-fuelled teen is only going to lead you in one direction.
However, thank your lucky stars for CCTV!
However, thank your lucky stars for CCTV!
No advice OP... But it sounds s
t. From what you say though, it sounds very very unlikely to go anywhere or affect your career.
I did supply years ago in school where the previous supply teacher had a couple of kids set a fire at the back of the class. Whilst he was extinguishing it, most of the class did a runner
it was his first day.
What's depressing is we're not far off body-cams on teachers.
t. From what you say though, it sounds very very unlikely to go anywhere or affect your career.I did supply years ago in school where the previous supply teacher had a couple of kids set a fire at the back of the class. Whilst he was extinguishing it, most of the class did a runner
it was his first day.What's depressing is we're not far off body-cams on teachers.
Tony1963 said:
I’m surprised that you even considered grabbing his arm, no matter how lightly and inoffensively. That sort of reaction from the kid and his mum is entirely predictable. I’m not a teacher, but my FiL was, and any transgressions with regards to uniform certainly wouldn’t have been dealt with in a school corridor. It would’ve been a head teacher contacting the parent/s. A troubled, hormone-fuelled teen is only going to lead you in one direction.
However, thank your lucky stars for CCTV!
Yes. I understand your point, but didnt 'grab' his arm though. Its easy for kids to say after ' I didnt hear you' , so perhaps why I reached out. Certainly won't be doing it again though. As for uniform check it was outside the main door as kids were walking in at the start of the day. We take turns on a rota to be there challenging uniform, jewellery etc. Apologies if not clearHowever, thank your lucky stars for CCTV!
I know it’s weighing on your mind but it reads like you’re massively over-reacting.
Why aren’t you in one of the unions?
One of my daughters was in middle management in a school with similar behaviour issues. Much as she wanted to improve the kids’ lot, she said it was hopeless and she moved to a nicer school.
Why aren’t you in one of the unions?
One of my daughters was in middle management in a school with similar behaviour issues. Much as she wanted to improve the kids’ lot, she said it was hopeless and she moved to a nicer school.
My only piece of advice at this point is treat it formally even though the outcome will likely be no action.
Whilst I respect the head may have given you verbal reassurances you are likely now in a position that they are just words.
Much like Harry Kanes conversation with Levy, they are all very easy to "mis-remember" as and when it suits someone. Especially when emotion is involved.
For all encounters with the head going forwards relating to this matter, take a "witness" , you may not be in the union but you are certainly able to have someone there to support you, and if needs be minute the meeting.
Whilst I respect the head may have given you verbal reassurances you are likely now in a position that they are just words.
Much like Harry Kanes conversation with Levy, they are all very easy to "mis-remember" as and when it suits someone. Especially when emotion is involved.
For all encounters with the head going forwards relating to this matter, take a "witness" , you may not be in the union but you are certainly able to have someone there to support you, and if needs be minute the meeting.
I don't know how teachers put up with the st kids give them without reacting these days.
If I'd done that to a teacher in the 70's he'd have picked me up by the throat and I'd have been sent to the headmaster for the cane.
Absolutely no respect for authority because there's very little in repercussions for their behaviour.....either at home or in society as a whole.
Good luck mate
t kids give them without reacting these days.If I'd done that to a teacher in the 70's he'd have picked me up by the throat and I'd have been sent to the headmaster for the cane.
Absolutely no respect for authority because there's very little in repercussions for their behaviour.....either at home or in society as a whole.
Good luck mate
Nothing but sympathy from me.
I genuinely could not work in that sort of environment and this just serves to reinforce my rather depressing world view that the human race is on a slow declining race to the lowest common denominator (think Idiocracy), in spite of the efforts of people like the OP to try and make it a better place.
I genuinely could not work in that sort of environment and this just serves to reinforce my rather depressing world view that the human race is on a slow declining race to the lowest common denominator (think Idiocracy), in spite of the efforts of people like the OP to try and make it a better place.
GasEngineer said:
Will there be action taken against the child for swearing at and the finger gesture to a teacher?
As you say he has a history of such behaviour, and it is clearly captured on CCTV.
The child needs his education. Where do you think he learned his attitude and actions?As you say he has a history of such behaviour, and it is clearly captured on CCTV.
Do we still have schools for difficult kids? Just get them out of mainstream schooling and try to sort them out properly?
I was punched by a teacher in the shoulder at school in front of a whole class of children. It was hard and made me cry aged 13-14….I didn’t report it and teacher still carried on working there, it was only when he punched another pupil did he lose his job. (This was 80’s)
He was in the wrong, clearly but it shows how times have changed. Teachers should be able to grab the arm of a child for sure.
I hope this all goes away and the pupil is shamed for lying.
He was in the wrong, clearly but it shows how times have changed. Teachers should be able to grab the arm of a child for sure.
I hope this all goes away and the pupil is shamed for lying.
I’d encourage the Police to caution the family informally regarding wasting Police time, however that won’t happen as the family will no doubt moan to a councillor or Crime commissioner if they do that.
The only risk here is that another student or two change their story, but hopefully they won’t have seen the CCTV and won’t be able to tailor it to be believable.
What a waste of everyone’s time, as I daresay this family are on a daily basis.
Anyway, you’re Patrick Viera, aren’t you?
The only risk here is that another student or two change their story, but hopefully they won’t have seen the CCTV and won’t be able to tailor it to be believable.
What a waste of everyone’s time, as I daresay this family are on a daily basis.
Anyway, you’re Patrick Viera, aren’t you?
Secondary school teacher here…
Firstly, join a union: I can’t think why anyone working in a “challenging” school wouldn’t get some sort of protection. I’m part of a ‘union alternative’, which is apolitical, but still provides me with help when required (they’ve been very helpful so far). Feel free to PM me for details.
Secondly, whilst these sorts of false accusations (assuming your account is accurate) can be very distressing, as I’ve found out first-hand, SLT and the police have a duty to investigate. It sounds like nothing will come of it (other than some sort of exclusion for the boy, I’d hope).
In the absence of any formal representation, I’d urge you to take a trusted colleague into any meetings with you, and as previous posts have said, make sure everything is minuted properly. From what you’ve said, it sounds like the head is reasonable, and has tried to reassure you as much as possible.
Without wishing to patronise, next time you’re faced with an unruly child refusing to stop for a good telling-off, don’t try to chase them or anything: these things can always be picked up later, ideally by someone more senior. If they ignore you when you first try to stop them, the chances are they’ll double down (maybe because they want a battle; maybe because they’re trying to look ‘cool’ to their friends), so it’s unlikely to end well for either of you in the immediate term.
Best of luck, but it sounds like everything will be fine in the end.
P.S. I can’t emphasise this enough: sign up to a union/alternative
Firstly, join a union: I can’t think why anyone working in a “challenging” school wouldn’t get some sort of protection. I’m part of a ‘union alternative’, which is apolitical, but still provides me with help when required (they’ve been very helpful so far). Feel free to PM me for details.
Secondly, whilst these sorts of false accusations (assuming your account is accurate) can be very distressing, as I’ve found out first-hand, SLT and the police have a duty to investigate. It sounds like nothing will come of it (other than some sort of exclusion for the boy, I’d hope).
In the absence of any formal representation, I’d urge you to take a trusted colleague into any meetings with you, and as previous posts have said, make sure everything is minuted properly. From what you’ve said, it sounds like the head is reasonable, and has tried to reassure you as much as possible.
Without wishing to patronise, next time you’re faced with an unruly child refusing to stop for a good telling-off, don’t try to chase them or anything: these things can always be picked up later, ideally by someone more senior. If they ignore you when you first try to stop them, the chances are they’ll double down (maybe because they want a battle; maybe because they’re trying to look ‘cool’ to their friends), so it’s unlikely to end well for either of you in the immediate term.
Best of luck, but it sounds like everything will be fine in the end.
P.S. I can’t emphasise this enough: sign up to a union/alternative
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