Teacher_Role_and_Responsibilities

Task 2: Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector Teacher role and responsibilities – observation and task sheet Consider the following: • Centre code of practice • Learner contracts • Equal opportunities legislation • Disability and discrimination legislation • Health and Safety legislation • Child protection What are the implications of these policies and procedures for teachers outside the classroom' The lifelong learning sector encompasses a wide range of different types of provision. Thus, the role of a teacher can be extremely diverse.They face the challenges of working within the context of set of Legislation. Legislation has a clear impact on each role played by the teacher. The diagram below shows some of the sub-roles which a teacher can play during his/her lifelong learning experience. Each of these sub-roles has associated responsibilities which are shaped by Legislation which can be national (e.g. health and safety), institutional policies (e.g. policies on attendance and lateness) and situation requirement (e.g. eating and drinking within certain areas). There is a considerable body of Legislation that applies within the lifelong learning sector. Every Child Matters (ECM) and the related provisions in the Child protection Act. Five outcomes sought by the ECM are: • Be healthy • Stay safe • Enjoy and achieve • Make a positive contribution • Achieve economic well-being All teachers who come in contact with children are subject to the Enhanced Disclosure check by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB). Teachers also have to be aware of: 1. Legislation relating to the Health and Safety which deals with the provision of a safe environment, both physical and psychological. 2. The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 which deals with: • Manual Handling Operations 1992 • RIDDOR – Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995. • Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 • COSHH – Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 Teachers have to be a ware of the Legislation relating to Disability to make reasonable adjustments for learners inside and outside the classroom: • DDA – Disability and Discrimination Act 1995 • DDA Part 4 Code of Practice 1995 • SENDA – Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 The Human Rights legislation is to ensure that all learners have been treated equally on the basis of gender/ethnicity/disability/age/religion/sexual orientation: • Sex Discrimination Act 1975 • Race Relations Act 1976 (amended 2000) • Human Rights Act 1998 • Equality Act 2006 The lifelong learning teacher has responsibilities to ensure that current legislative requirements are met and to adapt a professional approach to work in the sector. The professional approach involves being aware and upholding current legislation and to adhere to all the legislation mentioned above and needs to be aware to any legislative responsibilities relevant to their subjects. With reference to lessons you have observed, what impact do these policies and procedures have on classroom practice' Make notes to compare with other trainees in input sessions. When we started the course, we have been told about all the emergency exits and procedures (Health and Safety Legislation). I have witnessed a register being taken at the end of the lesson to document the attendance (attendance policy/jobseekers policy/immigration Legislation). I have seen a teacher asking student to ensure that their bags are out of the way so students can move around the classroom without having any trip hazards (Health and Safety Legislation) I have signed a commitment contract with the College before I started this course (Learner Contracts). Many teachers ask students to discuss issues related to their culture with other students (Differentiation). In all the lessons I have observed, all students have been treated with equal respect (Equality and Diversity). In my observations, I have seen teachers are giving special attention to weak students (Personalisation). I have been given a special access to the life due to my Rheumatoid Arthritis illness (Disability and Discrimination Legislation). Reference http://www.sagepub.com/upm-data/25416_02_Francis_Ch_01.pdf