Sarah Holden, a primary school teacher in Manchester, was accused of failing to follow safeguarding procedures during a fast-moving classroom incident. The allegations gave rise to employment disciplinary proceedings and potential regulatory action under education law in London.
What Happened
During a break-time classroom disturbance, two pupils became aggressive and the situation developed quickly. Ms Holden intervened to separate the pupils and protect others while colleagues were summoned.
The incident was recorded on school CCTV and reported to the headteacher. The school leadership referred the matter internally and also notified the Teaching Regulation Agency, leading to Ms Holden’s suspension pending investigation.
Legal Issues
- Whether Ms Holden breached safeguarding duties and the Teachers’ Standards (Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance).
- Whether the school’s disciplinary process complied with employment law and the ACAS Code of Practice on disciplinary procedures.
- Potential consequences for professional registration and the scope of the Teaching Regulation Agency’s fitness-to-teach consideration.
Our Approach
Aldwych Legal reviewed the CCTV, witness statements, incident logs and the school’s safeguarding policy to reconstruct events precisely. We prepared a detailed written defence demonstrating that Ms Holden’s actions were proportionate and taken to reduce immediate risk.
We represented Ms Holden at the internal disciplinary hearing, engaged with the regulator to ensure proper procedure, and pressed for contextual consideration of situational risk assessments and contemporaneous decisions.
Outcome
The disciplinary panel accepted that Ms Holden had acted reasonably in a fast-moving situation and imposed no formal sanction. She was reinstated to full duties and received appropriate management support on classroom risk management.
The Teaching Regulation Agency decided not to pursue a full fitness-to-teach hearing, having regard to the available evidence and absence of intentional misconduct.
Result / Why It Matters
This outcome preserved Ms Holden’s professional standing and employment. It demonstrates Aldwych Legal’s ability to protect education professionals facing safeguarding-related allegations, securing fair process and practical resolution.
