A former high school employee who was dismissed after slapping a student's hand has lost her claim for unfair dismissal, with an employment tribunal ruling the school acted appropriately.
The incident occurred when the staff member, whose role involved supervising students, allegedly struck a pupil's hand during a disciplinary intervention. The school argued the action violated its safeguarding policies and justified immediate termination.
In her tribunal claim, the ex-employee insisted the slap was "minor" and did not warrant dismissal. However, the panel concluded the school had followed correct procedures and upheld the decision to sack her.
"Physical intervention of any kind must always be a last resort and proportionate," stated the tribunal report. "The school's zero-tolerance approach to such behaviour was reasonable in this context."
The case highlights ongoing debates about appropriate disciplinary measures in UK schools, particularly regarding physical contact between staff and pupils.
