Law making has proceeded apace in 2006-7. The fourth edition of The Teacher’s Little Pocket Book includes additional notes on the Equality Act 2006, the Education and Inspections Act 2006, and the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006, as well as a complete table of the new teacher salaries and summary of the changes to teachers’ conditions of service. We have also included a number of new court cases that will be of interest (and instruction) to all teachers, leadership teams and governors.

Differences in guidance for Wales are shown in red, for Scotland are shown in blue, and for Northern Ireland are shown in green. We also refer to documents that form part of the QGP Quick Guides for School Management in purple. Please see the QGP website at www.qgpsolutions.com for further details of our CM SYSTEM. Quick Guides School Management Documents provide model policies, guidance, checklists and model letters and the explanation of the law in five divisions: School Government; School Organisation; Management of Staff; Management of Pupils and Management of Health and Safety.

The Teacher’s Little Pocket Book is not a definitive publication since the law and its implications changes all the time. For a complete understanding of the legal requirements you will need to go to the Acts of Parliament, Regulations and government guidance. To enable you to learn more, we have included a comprehensive index, a list of contact details and websites. We urge you to consult these as appropriate. They will help you develop your understanding of the complex business of being a classroom teacher in 2008.

FOREWORD TO THE FOURTH EDITION 2008 by Samantha Gibbs, NQT

I’m brand new to teaching; just starting my hectic first term of teaching, having finished the PGCE this summer. In between the shock of the amount of lesson planning I have been faced with and the challenge of establishing myself in my new school, has come the realisation of the scope of responsibilities that come with being a classroom teacher!

I found the PGCE was great for really focusing on how to teach my subject. However, actually starting work in September, I found that dealing with the practical parts of being a teacher was not fully covered in my college training. Where should I start to look for information about child protection or health and safety? Where will I find information about employment issues such as performance management in the classroom?

From the minute I started work I have been bombarded with all sorts of legal information from the trade unions and the school. All this is a very lengthy read.

But luckily I received a copy of The Teacher’s Little Pocket Book before I started work. It has been an instant life-saver, packed full of snappy practical advice in one neat compact pocket book, which is perfect when you’re run off your feet and getting to grips with a new school and an exciting new career!

The Teacher’s Little Pocket Book sets out the rights, responsibilities and duty of care for every classroom teacher in International Schools at home and overseas following a British Style of Education. The pocket book is a collected source of information about the law and procedures for a Classroom teacher in the UK. Teachers outside the UK will find the little pocket book a valuable information source that can be identified with their professional experience overseas.