Teaching Assistant Cleared of Safeguarding Concerns and Fit to Continue Teaching

Louise O’Driscoll and Rheanna Stewart were recently instructed to represent a qualified teacher working as a teaching assistant facing a LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) investigation following an alleged assault of a child. 

Background:

The role of LADO is one that manages, oversees, and organises investigations to look into allegations or concerns regarding adults who work/volunteer with children. 

The client instructed the team following an incident at a school where she had been recently appointed as a TA. The police had already interviewed them under caution and determined that no further action was necessary, but her employers still wished to speak to her about the matter in support of a potential LADO investigation. As a result of this, she decided to instruct a solicitor to help her prepare for the meeting and potential investigation. 

Our Approach:

Once instructed, the Team was told the date for the LADO meeting and had been given 8 days to: review the correspondence put forward by the client, meet with the client in conference, draft up a statement to be read/used for assistance for the client in the LADO meeting and prepare our client for the meeting itself. LADO cases can evolve fast; we can be given strict time frames to adhere to depending on when we are first instructed. This is something Louise and her team deal with effectively and can work within strict time frames. 

Hearing outcome:

After the investigation, the client was told that she would receive the outcome a few days after the meeting had taken place. The following week, the client received the outcome and was unsubstantiated for both safeguarding concerns and professional conduct. She was found to have no low-level concerns and was all clear of any disciplinary action. 

Louise O’Driscoll regularly supports clients who are going through an investigation involving LADO and the preparation of that hearing. The importance of clear communication, understanding and being proactive is what we believe benefits the process. 

The client was pleased with Louise and Rheanna’s services and is delighted to be able to continue working within the teaching profession. 

If you need advice or assistance with a LADO investigation, please contact us and ask to speak with Louise O’Driscoll.