Key definitions

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) - A professional qualification for teachers in England, confirming they have met the required standards to teach.
• Prohibition order - A sanction imposed by the TRA, preventing an individual from teaching indefinitely due to serious misconduct.
• Professional Conduct Panel (PCP) - A panel that reviews teacher misconduct cases and makes recommendations on sanctions.

Recruitment and qualification

The TRA is responsible for awarding QTS, ensuring that only individuals who meet stringent criteria can teach in maintained schools in England. The process involves:

• Assessment of credentials - Evaluating academic and professional qualifications.
• Skills test - Assessing proficiency in numeracy and literacy.
• Induction - Overseeing the statutory induction period for newly qualified teachers.

Teacher misconduct

The TRA investigates allegations of serious teacher misconduct. This process includes:

• Initial assessment - Determining if the allegations warrant a full investigation.
• Investigation - Gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
• Professional conduct panels - Conduct hearings to review the evidence and decide on sanctions.

Ongoing professional standards

The TRA sets out and enforces the Teachers’ Standards, which outline the expectations for teachers' conduct and practice. These standards cover:

• Professional attributes - Including relationships with pupils and adherence to policies.
• Professional knowledge - Covering subject knowledge and curriculum requirements.
• Professional skills - Encompassing planning, teaching, and assessment.

Best practices for implementation of relevant legislation and regulations

Compliance with the teachers’ standards

Schools and educational institutions must ensure that all teaching staff comply with the Teachers’ Standards. This involves regular performance reviews and professional development opportunities to address any areas of improvement.

Robust recruitment processes

Institutions should implement thorough recruitment processes to verify the qualifications and backgrounds of potential teachers. This includes:

• Verification of QTS - Ensuring candidates have been awarded QTS by the TRA.
• Background checks - Conducting DBS checks and reference verifications.

Addressing misconduct promptly

Schools must have clear policies for addressing allegations of teacher misconduct. This includes:

• Immediate reporting - Promptly reporting severe allegations to the TRA. 
• Internal investigations - Conducting initial investigations while maintaining confidentiality.
• Support systems - Support the accused and the accuser during investigations.

Recommendations

• Continuous Professional Development - Encourage teachers to engage in ongoing professional development to stay updated with the latest educational practices and standards.
• Clear policies and procedures - Develop and maintain clear policies for handling misconduct and ensure all staff know these procedures.
• Use of compliance management software - Leverage tools like ComplyPlus™ to effectively manage compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements.

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