SUPERVISION OF PUPILS
This briefing note gives NUT advice on the extent of teachers’ obligations to
undertake the supervision of pupils other than during lesson times.
SUMMARY

Teachers cannot be directed to supervise pupils during the midday break.

Teachers may, however, be “reasonably” directed to supervise pupils at break
times, at the beginning and end of the school day, or at the beginning or end
of lunch time.

Time spent supervising pupils must be included in the 1265 hours’ directed
time.

NUT policy places limits on the length of time and circumstances the NUT
considers “reasonable”.
TEACHERS’ PROFESSIONAL DUTIES
Teachers’ professional duties, set out in the School Teachers Pay and Conditions
Document, include “supervising pupils, whether these duties are to be performed
before, during or after school sessions” (para 66.12.2 of the 2002 Document).
Teachers are also required by the Document to comply with directions to carry out
professional duties, including directions to supervise pupils, which are “reasonably”
given by the headteacher (para 65.1 of the 2002 Document).
Headteachers are in turn responsible for ensuring that adequate supervision
arrangements are in operation in schools, although this does not necessarily require
their physical presence on the premises.
LUNCH TIME SUPERVISION
Teachers cannot, however, be directed to supervise pupils during the midday break.
The Pay and Conditions Document states that “… a teacher shall not be required
under his contract as a teacher to undertake midday supervision, and shall be
allowed a break of reasonable length either between school sessions or between the
hours of 12 noon and 2 pm” (para 67.6 of the 2002 Document).
Although the Document does not define “a break of reasonable length”, the NUT
believes that the teacher’s midday break should be at least one hour.
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Teachers may in theory be reasonably directed to undertake non-teaching activities
other than the supervision of pupils during the pupil lunch break. The NUT believes,
however, that such a direction would be reasonable only in exceptional
circumstances where the teacher still receives a midday break of “reasonable length”
as above.
Teachers may, however, agree to undertake midday supervision of pupils on a
voluntary basis. Any teacher who volunteers to supervise pupils eating their lunch is
entitled to receive a free school meal, by virtue of the Burgundy Book national
conditions of service agreement which incorporates the terms of the 1968 national
school meals agreement. Teachers may also agree to undertake pupil supervision
for payment under a separate contract of employment as a midday supervisor.
BREAK TIME SUPERVISION
Teachers may, however, be reasonably directed to supervise pupils during break
times. In the NUT’s view, supervision should be on a rota basis, with all staff,
whatever their level of seniority, taking their turn. Although all staff are on-call in
case of an emergency, it would be unreasonable and unnecessary for all staff to be
involved in break time supervision. Staff on rota duty should in addition be given the
opportunity for a short “comfort” break as outlined below.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE OF PUPILS
Teachers may also be reasonably directed to supervise the safe arrival and
departure of pupils at the start and end of school sessions.
The DfES advises that schools should set out the exact time at which the supervision
of pupils on the school site will begin in the morning so that parents do not leave
their children unattended before this time. The same applies for arrangements for
the collection or departure of pupils in the afternoon. Any changes to these
arrangements should be given to parents with reasonable notice so that they can
make new arrangements for the delivery or collection of their children.
Limits upon Supervision Time
The NUT believes that it is reasonable for teachers to be directed to be on the school
premises to undertake such supervision only for ten minutes at the start and end of
the school day and five minutes at the start and end of the pupil lunch break. The
NUT believes that parents should be advised of the time at which the morning
supervision arrangements begin and be informed that before that time their child
should either not be on the premises, or should be supervised by a parent or other
responsible person.
Bus Duties
The NUT does not believe that it is reasonable for teachers to be directed to
supervise pupils awaiting or boarding school buses at the end of the day, particularly
where the pupils are no longer on school premises. The NUT believes that the head
teacher should inform parents that pupils waiting for their school bus will not be
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under teachers’ supervision and, should problems arise such as persistent lateness
of buses, that the head teacher should discuss these problems with the LEA or the
bus company.
Road Crossings
The NUT does not believe that it is reasonable for teachers to be directed to
supervise road crossings since pupils will clearly in such circumstances no longer be
on school premises. It is particularly relevant to note that teachers do not have the
authority of law to control traffic. Again, should problems arise, the NUT believes
that the head teacher should discuss these problems with the LEA.
Split Site Schools
The NUT does not believe that it is reasonable for teachers to be directed to
supervise or escort pupils travelling between split site schools.
Children Awaiting Older Siblings
Again the NUT does not believe that it is reasonable for teachers to be directed to
supervise children waiting for older siblings who attend neighbouring schools. If this
is a problem, the NUT believes that parents should be advised by the head teacher
to make alternative arrangements.
HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE CONSIDERATIONS
Supervision Ratios
There are no minimum pupil/staff supervision ratios laid down in law. The DfES
advises that the numbers of staff (teachers or midday supervisors as appropriate) on
duty at any one time should be determined according to the results of a risk
assessment which takes into account the ages and abilities of the children and the
geographical features of the school. The considerations here are based on health
and safety law and the ratios must be in line with the minimum requirements
necessary to ensure that children are safely supervised at all times.
Staff Welfare
Employers have a legal duty not only regarding employees’ health and safety but
also regarding their welfare. The NUT believes, therefore, that any break time
supervision rota should be organised in such a way as to allow staff the opportunity
to visit the toilet and have a drink if they so wish.
Hot Drinks
Teachers on playground supervision duty should be wary about carrying full mugs of
hot tea or coffee in a crowded playground, since they could end up scalding a child
or themselves.
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FURTHER INFORMATION
DfES advice can be accessed on its website at:
www.dfes.gov.uk/a-z/SUPERVISION_OF_PUPILS.html
National Union of Teachers
December 2002