Fitness to Teach conduct cases: indicative outcomes guidance practice statement

Reprimand

A reprimand is recorded in our Register against a teacher’s name for such period of time as a panel specifies⁸. Other than the mark on the Register, registration status remains unaffected, so it does not restrict or control the teacher in any way with a view to ensuring ongoing fitness to teach.

A reprimand may be the appropriate disposal to impose where most or all of the following indicating factors are present:

As mentioned, a reprimand may be imposed for such a period as the panel sees fit. In order to ensure that a generally consistent approach is adopted in this respect, panels may regard:

6 months as an appropriate starting point
1 year as the period that is applied in the majority of cases where a reprimand is determined to be the appropriate disposal
2 years as the maximum that it is generally envisaged would be appropriate

It must be emphasised that the above is general guidance only. A panel should always impose a reprimand for the period of time that it considers appropriate based on the circumstances of the case, and this may mean departing from the general parameters indicated above.

A reprimand may be the appropriate disposal to impose where most or all of the following indicating factors are present:

As mentioned, a reprimand may be imposed for such a period as the panel sees fit. In order to ensure that a generally consistent approach is adopted in this respect, panels may regard:

6 months as an appropriate starting point
1 year as the period that is applied in the majority of cases where a reprimand is determined to be the appropriate disposal
2 years as the maximum that it is generally envisaged would be appropriate

End of document

the matter does not constitute an abuse of a position of trust for personal gain
harm has not been caused to a child/pupil or there was no risk or low risk of harm
the matter has been admitted
the teacher has reflected on the matter and demonstrates insight, shows genuine remorse and has taken steps to properly address the issue(s) (see further explanation of insight on page 5)
the matter represents an isolated incident or set of events rather than a pattern of behaviour
there has been no repetition of the matter, or matters of a similar nature, since the incident concerned
there is evidence attesting to the good character and history of the teacher
a reprimand is in the public interest: it appropriately indicates to the profession and the public the seriousness of the matter, therefore maintaining public confidence in teachers, the integrity of the teaching profession and us as a professional regulator

⁸ Rule 2.10.2(a) of the General Teaching Council for Scotland Fitness to Teach Rules 2017