Working as a part-time teacher or teaching assistant (TA) in the UK is a rewarding experience, but it comes with specific responsibilities and standards. To ensure a positive and professional working environment, it’s important to follow certain guidelines. Below are five key points to keep in mind when working in a UK school:
1. Do Not Accept Students or Parents on Personal Social Media Accounts 
Maintaining professional boundaries is crucial when working in education. One of the best ways to do this is by keeping your private life separate from your work life. Never accept friend or follow requests from students or their parents on your personal social media accounts. This helps protect your privacy and ensures that all interactions with students remain appropriate and professional. Many schools also have strict policies regarding teacher-student relationships online, and violating them could have serious consequences.
2. Avoid Bringing Nut-Based Foods to School 
Food allergies, especially nut allergies, are common in schools, and many have strict no-nut policies. As a teacher or TA, it’s essential to respect these rules to avoid causing allergic reactions among students. Even if you’re not directly working with a student who has a nut allergy, there is a risk of cross-contamination, which can have severe or life-threatening consequences. To be safe, always check the school’s allergy policy and avoid bringing any nut-based foods on school premises.
3. Do Not Photograph Students or Share Their Pictures on Social Media 
Respecting student privacy is another fundamental principle when working in schools. You should never take pictures of students without permission, and under no circumstances should you post those pictures on social media. Schools have their own policies and consent forms that regulate when and how students’ images can be used. Sharing photos without explicit consent could result in a breach of child protection laws and privacy regulations, leading to disciplinary action.
4. Avoid Physical Contact with Students and Never Use Physical Discipline 
Physical interaction with students should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. This includes comforting or assisting students unless in special circumstances, such as medical emergencies or when it is part of a specific support plan. Moreover, any form of physical discipline is strictly prohibited in UK schools. Even light or playful physical contact can be misinterpreted, so it’s best to maintain clear professional boundaries at all times to avoid misunderstandings or allegations of misconduct.
5. **Don’t Promise Confidentiality When a Student Shares Concerns with You 
Students may come to you with personal concerns or issues, and it’s important to listen empathetically. However, you must never promise full confidentiality. There are specific situations, such as safeguarding concerns or cases of abuse, where you are legally obligated to report what the student has shared with you. Instead, let the student know that while you respect their privacy, you may need to share the information with someone who can help them, such as the school’s designated safeguarding lead. This ensures their safety while managing their expectations around confidentiality.
Always stay informed about your school’s specific policies to ensure you meet all requirements and provide the best possible support to your students. What other tips can you think about? Feel free to share here! 