Overview
The complainant (Ms C), who is a solicitor, complained that the University of Glasgow (the University) failed to support or communicate with her client (Ms A) adequately during teacher training placements in secondary schools, did not challenge secondary schools when placements were terminated or find alternative placements quickly enough and, in relation to one specific school placement (Placement 4), her tutor (Academic 1) did not inform Ms A that an informal visit would result in a formal report. In addition, Ms C claimed that the University should have suggested practical remedies to placement problems that had been identified between the part of the University in which Ms A was studying (the Faculty) and secondary schools.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are:
- (a) the alleged failure of the Faculty to support Ms A during her placements (not upheld);
- (b) the alleged failure of the Faculty to challenge schools' behaviour and decisions to terminate Ms A's placements (not upheld);
- (c) the Faculty's actions and communication with Ms A during and after placements were terminated (not upheld);
- (d) the alleged failure of the Faculty to find alternative placements in a timeous manner (not upheld);
- (e) Academic 1's alleged inappropriate recording of a visit to Placement 4 (not upheld); and
- (f) the alleged failure of the University to suggest practical remedies to the problems they appeared to accept there were between the Faculty and the schools upon which the Faculty relied for student experience (not upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the University:
- (i) reflect on this complaint and consider how best to deal with termination of placements. Although it may be a rare occurrence, it is clear that termination of placements is a distressing time for schools, students and Faculty staff; and
- (ii) reflect on this complaint and consider how best to deal with the need to arrange an alternative placement at short notice.
The University have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.