Knowing Your Teachers are on the Same Page Makes a Difference
Ensuring teachers stay compliant and confident in their roles means covering key areas of education responsibility. These 50 essential questions test knowledge in safeguarding, health & safety, data protection, equality, and behaviour management. How well does your team perform?
Compliance – Behaviour Management & Positive Discipline
Question 1
What is the main goal of positive behaviour management?
a) To help students develop self-discipline (Correct)
b) To make sure students don’t talk in class
c) To ensure strict punishment for every rule broken
d) To increase test scores
Encouraging self-discipline helps students take responsibility for their actions and fosters a positive learning environment.
Question 2
Which is an example of positive reinforcement?
a) Giving extra homework as punishment
b) Ignoring well-behaved students
c) Giving praise or rewards for good behaviour (Correct)
d) Keeping students quiet at all times
Recognising good behaviour encourages students to continue making positive choices.
Question 3
What is the best way to respond to minor disruptions in class?
a) Ignore all disruptions
b) Send them to detention
c) Raise your voice immediately
d) Use a subtle signal to remind the student (Correct)
Non-verbal signals can correct behaviour without disrupting the lesson.
Question 4
What does a school behaviour policy include?
a) Expectations and consequences (Correct)
b) A list of punishments only
c) Personal rules made by individual teachers
d) Instructions for handling paperwork
Behaviour policies set clear expectations for students and outline consequences for breaking rules.
Question 5
How can teachers prevent classroom misbehaviour?
a) By allowing students to manage themselves
b) By punishing small mistakes
c) By planning engaging lessons (Correct)
d) By making lessons shorter
When students are engaged, they are less likely to misbehave.
Question 6
What should a teacher do if a student refuses to follow instructions?
a) Give a detention
b) Repeat the instructions calmly (Correct)
c) Ignore them
d) Remove them from the class without discussion
Reinforcing expectations calmly can prevent escalation.
Question 7
What is restorative practice?
a) A method to repair harm and rebuild trust (Correct)
b) A way to remove students permanently
c) A system of increasing punishments
d) A reward scheme for high achievers
Restorative practices encourage students to reflect on their actions and resolve conflicts constructively.
Question 8
How can teachers support students with behavioural difficulties?
a) By separating them from classmates
b) By giving detentions daily
c) By ignoring their needs
d) By using structured routines (Correct)
Predictable routines help students feel secure and manage their behaviour better.
Question 9
If a student’s behaviour doesn’t improve, what should a teacher do?
a) Punish the whole class
b) Send them home
c) Follow the school’s behaviour policy (Correct)
d) Move them to a lower set
Following established procedures ensures consistency and fairness.
Question 10
How can teachers promote a respectful classroom?
a) By punishing any disagreement
b) By leading by example (Correct)
c) By avoiding student interaction
d) By focusing only on academics
Teachers set the tone for respectful behaviour by demonstrating it themselves.
Compliance – Data Protection & GDPR
Question 1
What is the main purpose of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in schools?
a) To prevent teachers from sharing any student information
b) To limit how long teachers can store lesson plans
c) To allow parents full access to all school records
d) To ensure personal data is collected, stored, and used lawfully and securely (Correct)
GDPR ensures that schools handle personal data responsibly, protecting the privacy of students, staff, and parents.
Question 2
Which of the following is an example of personal data under GDPR?
a) A school’s term dates
b) A student’s test scores, name, and address (Correct)
c) A classroom timetable
d) A list of school lunch options
Personal data includes any information that can identify a person, such as names, addresses, and academic records.
Question 3
What should a teacher do if they receive an email requesting confidential student information?
a) Verify the request with the school’s Data Protection Officer before sharing any information (Correct)
b) Reply with the requested details immediately
c) Forward the email to other staff members for advice
d) Delete the email and take no further action
All data requests must be verified to ensure compliance with GDPR and prevent unauthorised data breaches.
Question 4
How long can schools legally retain student records after they leave?
a) Indefinitely
b) 1 year
c) It depends on the type of record and school policy (Correct)
d) 10 years for all records
Schools must follow data retention policies based on the type of record and legal requirements.
Question 5
What should a teacher do if they accidentally send student information to the wrong recipient?
a) Ask the recipient to delete the email but not report it
b) Ignore it unless the recipient complains
c) Delete the sent email and hope it is not noticed
d) Report the breach to the school’s Data Protection Officer immediately (Correct)
Any data breach must be reported promptly to ensure corrective actions can be taken and GDPR compliance is maintained.
Question 6
What is the lawful basis for processing student data under GDPR?
a) Legal obligation, public task, or consent where necessary (Correct)
b) Any reason as long as the data is secure
c) Only when parents give written consent
d) Only for marketing school events
Schools can process student data when required by law, for public interest tasks, or with appropriate consent.
Question 7
What is an example of a data protection risk in schools?
a) Storing attendance records in a locked filing cabinet
b) Leaving a laptop with student records unlocked in a public space (Correct)
c) Discussing a student’s progress with their parent
d) Password-protecting sensitive files
Leaving devices or documents containing student information unsecured increases the risk of data breaches.
Question 8
Which of the following is a key principle of GDPR?
a) Collect as much data as possible for future use
b) Store student data indefinitely
c) Only collect and store necessary data for a specified purpose (Correct)
d) Share data freely between all school staff
GDPR requires schools to limit data collection and storage to what is necessary for a specific, lawful purpose.
Question 9
Who is responsible for data protection in a school?
a) Every staff member handling personal data (Correct)
b) Only the headteacher
c) Only the Data Protection Officer
d) Only administrative staff
All staff members who handle personal data must follow GDPR guidelines to ensure compliance and security.
Question 10
How should a teacher securely dispose of old student records?
a) Keep them indefinitely in case they are needed later
b) Place them in a standard recycling bin
c) Leave them in an unlocked storage room
d) Shred or permanently delete them in accordance with school policy (Correct)
Old student records should be securely destroyed following data retention policies to prevent unauthorised access.
Compliance – Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)
Question 1
What is the main purpose of the Equality Act 2010 in education?
a) To ensure all students achieve the same academic results
b) To promote uniformity in schools
c) To prevent discrimination and promote equal opportunities for all (Correct)
d) To restrict schools from setting admission criteria
The Equality Act 2010 protects individuals from discrimination and ensures equal opportunities in education and beyond.
Question 2
Which of the following is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010?
a) Religion or belief (Correct)
b) Socioeconomic background
c) Eye colour
d) Preferred learning style
Protected characteristics include age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
Question 3
What is an example of indirect discrimination in a school setting?
a) A teacher treating one student unfairly because of their race
b) A teacher encouraging diversity in class discussions
c) A student making an offensive comment towards a peer
d) A school requiring all staff to work full-time, disadvantaging those with disabilities or caring responsibilities (Correct)
Indirect discrimination occurs when a policy applies to everyone but disproportionately disadvantages certain groups.
Question 4
How can a school create an inclusive learning environment?
a) Providing equal access to resources, adapting teaching methods, and promoting respect for all students (Correct)
b) Treating all students exactly the same regardless of their needs
c) Avoiding discussions about diversity to prevent conflict
d) Allowing students to self-segregate into groups based on their background
An inclusive learning environment ensures that all students feel valued, have access to learning, and receive support suited to their individual needs.
Question 5
What should a teacher do if they witness a student being bullied due to their gender identity?
a) Talk privately with the student but take no further action
b) Ignore it unless the student asks for help
c) Intervene, report the incident, and provide support to the student (Correct)
d) Ask the student to sort it out themselves
Teachers have a duty to intervene in bullying cases, report incidents, and ensure that students feel safe and supported.
Question 6
What is a key benefit of a diverse school environment?
a) It ensures students only interact with others from similar backgrounds
b) It prepares students to interact in a multicultural and inclusive society (Correct)
c) It reduces the need for individual learning plans
d) It limits discussions about cultural differences
A diverse school environment enriches learning by fostering understanding, tolerance, and respect for different perspectives.
Question 7
Which of the following is an example of promoting inclusion in the classroom?
a) Encouraging only top-performing students to participate in discussions
b) Ignoring students’ different learning needs to maintain fairness
c) Expecting students to adjust to one standard learning style
d) Using diverse teaching materials that reflect different cultures and backgrounds (Correct)
Using inclusive teaching materials and methods ensures all students feel represented and engaged in learning.
Question 8
How should schools handle a complaint of discrimination from a student or parent?
a) Investigate the complaint thoroughly and take appropriate action (Correct)
b) Dismiss the complaint if no formal evidence is provided
c) Tell the student or parent that discrimination does not happen in the school
d) Assume it was a misunderstanding and do nothing
All discrimination complaints should be taken seriously, investigated, and addressed appropriately to maintain an inclusive school environment.
Question 9
What is unconscious bias?
a) A deliberate act of discrimination
b) Automatic, unintentional judgments based on stereotypes (Correct)
c) A student expressing a personal opinion
d) A teacher treating all students equally
Unconscious bias occurs when people unknowingly make assumptions based on stereotypes, which can affect decision-making and behaviour.
Question 10
What role do teachers play in promoting equality and diversity?
a) Letting students decide how to handle discrimination among themselves
b) Only following the school’s official policies
c) Avoiding discussing issues related to diversity
d) Setting an example by treating all students fairly, challenging discrimination, and fostering an inclusive classroom (Correct)
Teachers play a vital role in promoting inclusion by fostering a respectful environment and addressing discrimination proactively.
Compliance – Health & Safety in Schools
Question 1
Who is legally responsible for ensuring health and safety in a school?
a) Only the headteacher
b) Only the local authority
c) The governing body, headteacher, and all staff (Correct)
d) Only external health and safety inspectors
Health and safety is a shared responsibility, with governing bodies, headteachers, and staff all playing a role in maintaining a safe environment.
Question 2
What is the purpose of a school risk assessment?
a) To record minor classroom incidents
b) To identify and manage potential hazards to prevent harm (Correct)
c) To ensure all pupils behave appropriately
d) To monitor staff attendance
Risk assessments help schools identify potential hazards and take necessary steps to reduce risks for pupils and staff.
Question 3
What is the first step a teacher should take if they discover a serious hazard in a classroom?
a) Report it immediately to the school’s health and safety officer or site manager (Correct)
b) Wait to see if the hazard causes an incident before taking action
c) Ask pupils to work around the hazard
d) Remove the hazard without reporting it
All hazards must be reported immediately so they can be assessed and addressed appropriately to prevent accidents.
Question 4
Which of the following is a key requirement for fire safety in schools?
a) Keeping all fire doors propped open for easy access
b) Conducting regular fire drills and ensuring all exits are clear (Correct)
c) Only training senior staff on fire evacuation procedures
d) Locking fire exits when not in use
Schools must conduct regular fire drills and keep all fire exits clear to ensure a safe and efficient evacuation in case of an emergency.
Question 5
What should a teacher do if a pupil has a minor injury, such as a small cut?
a) Follow basic first aid procedures and, if necessary, report the injury to the designated first aider (Correct)
b) Ignore it unless the pupil complains
c) Send the pupil home immediately
d) Call an ambulance for all injuries
Minor injuries should be treated following first aid procedures, and more serious injuries should be reported to the designated first aider.
Question 6
What is the correct procedure if a fire alarm sounds during a lesson?
a) Lock the classroom door and wait for instructions
b) Stay in the classroom and wait for confirmation of a real fire
c) Gather personal belongings before leaving
d) Evacuate immediately, following the school’s fire drill procedure, and ensure all pupils reach the assembly point safely (Correct)
Teachers must ensure an immediate and organised evacuation following fire drill procedures.
Question 7
Which of the following is a common trip hazard in a school environment?
a) Loose cables, cluttered walkways, or uneven flooring (Correct)
b) Open windows
c) Display boards in classrooms
d) School bags placed under desks
Trip hazards such as loose wires and cluttered areas should be reported and removed to prevent accidents.
Question 8
Why is it important for schools to have clear policies on handling hazardous substances?
a) So teachers can access cleaning chemicals easily
b) To make sure pupils avoid science lessons
c) To ensure hazardous substances are stored and used safely (Correct)
d) So staff know how to dispose of all waste in general bins
Hazardous substances, such as cleaning products and lab chemicals, must be stored and handled safely to prevent exposure and accidents.
Question 9
How often should electrical equipment in schools be checked for safety?
a) Only when an issue is noticed
b) At least annually, following school policy and safety regulations (Correct)
c) Every 10 years
d) Every five years unless it is faulty
Schools must conduct regular safety checks on electrical equipment to ensure they are in safe working condition.
Question 10
What is the best way to prevent the spread of infections in a school?
a) Only allowing pupils to use hand sanitiser before lunch
b) Asking sick pupils to sit at the back of the classroom
c) Keeping windows closed at all times
d) Encouraging regular handwashing, cleaning high-touch surfaces, and following illness reporting procedures (Correct)
Proper hygiene practices and regular cleaning help prevent the spread of illnesses in a school environment.
Compliance – Safeguarding & Child Protection
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of safeguarding in schools?
a) To ensure teachers follow a strict curriculum
b) To protect children from abuse, neglect, and harm (Correct)
c) To prevent children from missing school
d) To give parents full control over school policies
Safeguarding ensures that children are protected from harm and that their welfare is a priority in all school activities.
Question 2
Which legislation underpins safeguarding responsibilities in UK schools?
a) The Road Traffic Act 1988
b) The Education Reform Act 1988
c) The Children Act 1989 and Keeping Children Safe in Education (Correct)
d) The Employment Rights Act 1996
The Children Act 1989 and Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) set out the legal safeguarding framework for schools.
Question 3
What is the first step a teacher should take if they suspect a child is at risk of harm?
a) Report concerns to the school’s designated safeguarding lead (DSL) (Correct)
b) Confront the suspected abuser directly
c) Keep a personal record but take no further action
d) Wait for further evidence before raising a concern
All safeguarding concerns should be reported to the designated safeguarding lead immediately to ensure prompt action is taken.
Question 4
Which of the following is a possible indicator of abuse or neglect in a child?
a) Wearing the same school uniform regularly
b) Unexplained injuries, fearfulness, or sudden behavioural changes (Correct)
c) Being talkative in class
d) Asking for extra homework
Signs of abuse may include physical injuries, emotional withdrawal, fearfulness, or significant behavioural changes.
Question 5
What should a teacher do if a child makes a disclosure about abuse?
a) Ignore it unless the child discloses multiple times
b) Promise to keep it a secret
c) Ask the child for more details and investigate the claim themselves
d) Listen carefully, reassure the child, and report the disclosure to the safeguarding lead (Correct)
Teachers must listen and reassure the child but must not promise confidentiality. The disclosure should be reported immediately to the safeguarding lead.
Question 6
What is the purpose of the Prevent Duty in schools?
a) To help children develop good study habits
b) To prevent bullying among students
c) To identify and safeguard children at risk of radicalisation (Correct)
d) To monitor attendance more closely
The Prevent Duty requires schools to identify and safeguard children who may be vulnerable to radicalisation or extremist influences.
Question 7
What should be included in a school’s safeguarding policy?
a) Procedures for identifying, reporting, and responding to safeguarding concerns (Correct)
b) A list of students who may be vulnerable
c) Contact details for parents only
d) A summary of school exam results
Every school must have a clear safeguarding policy outlining procedures for identifying and addressing concerns.
Question 8
Who is responsible for safeguarding in a school?
a) Only the designated safeguarding lead
b) Every member of staff, including teachers, support staff, and volunteers (Correct)
c) Only senior leadership staff
d) Only child protection officers outside the school
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. All school staff must be vigilant and report concerns to the appropriate lead.
Question 9
How often should teachers receive safeguarding training?
a) Once at the start of their career
b) Every five years
c) At least annually, with regular updates throughout the year (Correct)
d) Only when a safeguarding incident occurs
Safeguarding training should be updated at least annually to keep staff informed of new risks and best practices.
Question 10
What should a teacher do if they believe another staff member may be harming a child?
a) Report their concerns to the headteacher or designated safeguarding lead immediately (Correct)
b) Speak privately with the staff member in question
c) Ignore it unless they see direct evidence
d) Only report it if another teacher raises the same concern
All safeguarding concerns, including those about staff, must be reported to the headteacher or safeguarding lead without delay.
Final Thoughts
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Colin King – CEO of HR Quizzes