The Teachers Disciplinary Tribunal has imposed conditions on a teacher’s practice for two years after she was found guilty of serious misconduct in relation to two incidents of inappropriate physical touching of children in her care.

The first instance followed the child biting her and she responded by grabbing the child and shouting at her.  The second instance involved the teacher pinching a student’s arm after the child had scratched and dug his nails into the teacher’s arm.

In addition to these two incidents the teacher was also charged in relation to making a four year old wash his own soiled underwear.

The Tribunal found that these incidents amounted to serious misconduct and the teacher was ordered to undergo professional development training focussed on respectful practices.  The conditions on the teacher’s practice are to remain in place for two years.

Alan Knowsley
Education Lawyer Wellington