Supply teacher suspended after testing positive and continuing to come into school
A supply teacher has been suspended by Cardiff council after knowingly testing positive to Covid-19 and subsequently continuing to come into school and teach children. The teacher is said to have taught five classes whilst being positive for Covid-19, affecting a total of 150 children who have since had to self-isolate.
It is important to ensure your school is “Covid-Secure” and have safe working and protection measures in place to prevent the transition of the virus. The full guidance for schools can be found here.
Schools have a statutory obligation and responsibility to care for and protect their employees and pupils under HSE. A member of staff coming into the workplace knowingly positive with an infectious or contagious disease/ virus is an act of misconduct potentially gross misconduct.
The school would suspend the employee immediately pending further investigation. An investigation will be carried out to determine the facts around the case and the possible act of gross misconduct.
It would be best to check the school’s disciplinary policy and procedure you would use to conduct the investigation and procedures following. For further information regarding employee conduct, suspension and disciplinary, please see Our simple guide to: Employee Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures.
Following the suspension, additional risk assessments should be carried out identifying any further risks in the school. For more information regarding risk assessments, please contact your HR Provider.
The key to prevent this situation, would be to review your Covid-19 and school policies and ensure all employees and pupils understand the policies and procedures surrounding Covid-19 and what to do if a staff member of pupil has a covid-19 query. Ensure staff members and pupils are following the safety measures that have been put in place.
If you have any queries regarding health and safety, disciplinary matters, leadership responsibilities, or training including carrying out risk assessments, please get in touch with one of the team on 01924 827869.
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