Union argues that teachers are regulated enough already

A draft code is due to be considered on Wednesday by the General Teaching Council for England, to which all teachers must belong.

It argues that it needs one, in its capacity as the gatekeeper of professional behaviour.

But the NASUWT union has said the proposals may simply serve to make teachers resentful.

"Teachers are regulated sufficiently by school and LEA discipline, capability and financial procedures. The GTC code of conduct is superfluous," said the acting general secretary, Chris Keates.

Consultation

"The descriptions the code offers, in respect of circumstances in which teachers may be found guilty of unacceptable professional conduct, are ambiguous and open to abuse.

"The production of this code will do nothing to enhance the professional status of teachers.

"The only likely outcome is that current indifference felt by the majority of teachers towards the GTC may turn to deep resentment."

The council already has a code of professional values and practice, but says it needs new rules on conduct to fulfil its regulatory role.

The six-page draft code is in its second version. The council said it had been drawn up after a lot of consultation with teachers.

It was supported by head teachers' unions and the small Professional Association of Teachers.

It sets out what types of action or failure to act could lead to a teacher being found guilty of "unacceptable professional conduct" or "serious professional incompetence".

Misconduct includes such things as seriously demeaning or undermining pupils, parents or colleagues, or discrimination, or failure to take reasonable care of pupils.

Incompetence is judged in relation to what might be expected of a registered teacher.