Accused of assault

[Bingobobster]

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

Edited by Bingobobster on Saturday 21st May 06:15

[Bingobobster]

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 clear

[Bingobobster]

Thanks all, some interesting advice. I love my job and certainly wouldn't want to walk away and leave some brilliant colleagues behind. I just need to make sure the right decisions are made Monday, then hopefully, I can return straight away. The latest trend at our school has been students antagonising teachers and then secretly recording them on their phone and using a one sided recording as evidence to complain.

Some teachers are at their wits end most of the time. Teenagers empowered by their ignorant and oblivious parents and it doesn't look like changing any time soon.

[Bingobobster]

Thanks again all. Just received a call from the Head to tell me interview now concluded with the boys mum, a Police officer and staff ( Head / Dept Head and line manager). Long and the short of it, mum informed by the Police who apparently decided my actions were construed to be falling under the umbrella of 'loco parentis' and they would not be pursuing the matter further.

School stated to mum that the incident did not fall within their threshold to be investigated and consider the matter closed.

News to me, but school informed me apparently mum had been ranting her views on Facebook all weekend ( I've not seen it/don't have FB ) and even after watching the video, still thought that his injuries were caused by me so was not happy with the result. Apparently she left and has told the school that she will not be bringing either of her 2 boys back to school ( both the same behaviour wise, I might add ). Whether she does or not, I don't know.

I have been invited to go in for a meeting first thing at 0830am with the Head nd Dept and then asked to continue as normal with their full support. Also informed Police will be contacting me to confirm no further action with allegation.

Thanks again.