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...