Manager And Slt Think I’m A Safeguarding Concern And Threatening Reporting Me To Police

I (17F) work in HR at a SEND school. I was called in today by my manager who told me that she is giving me a written warning because of concerns raised by a staff member.

The “concerns”: 1. I was walking past 2 pupils (about my age) who greeted me with a fist bump and a high five, which is normal. However the girl that gave me a high five didn’t let go of my hand. I politely asked her to let go and she did. I carried on walking and she followed behind me and grabbed my arm again. This time a member of staff that hates me told the student that it isnt appropriate, despite me already setting boundaries. The member of staff then went to the headteacher and reported me. 2. After school had finished and the students gone home, I noticed two students in the hall (also about my age) and 2/3 TAs were with them supervising them. I approached and was greeted by the staff and students, who invited me to sit with them. The staff were chatting along and joking with me saying I should be working on the classes. Today in the meeting I was told that other staff member saw this (imassuming it’s the same staff member who reported me in the first instance) and felt this was a safeguarding concern and reported me. 3. I bumped into a pupil during their lunch and had a nice chat with her. I am very friendly and love meeting them. I was reported for this by the same staff member who previously reported me. This happened some time ago, and my manager spoke to me on the same day. She didn’t say anything was concerning tho… she just asked me if I knew that pupil outside of school and I said no. I asked if there was an issue and she said no. She then left. Today she said it again and said that the same staff member reported me again for this. I told her since our last conversation I didn’t repeat this or go to the student during her lunch. I’m confused why she even brought it up.

I really feel this is unfair. When I tried explaining my side my manager got mad and said if this happens again, she is taking me through a disciplinary and gonna refer me to the LADO. She said that due to my age the students see me as “friend” and so she thinks I am acting in a way that is unprofessional or giving off a friendly vibe. I don’t understand- when the student grabbed me I put boundaries in place by asking her to stop, and offered a different type of interaction like a high five.

I was composed during the meeting despite my opinion not respected. When she mentioned discipliniary action and the written warning on my file I broke down crying. She knows it’s my dream to become a teacher and she warned me that anything else could lead to reporting me to the police or barring me from working with kids.

I want to make it clear that in no way did I have bad intentions towards these kids. I’m only 17 yet basically carry out all the HR functions. I’m confused now. I am not going to accept this warning or threats. What should I do?Speak to a Union rep? Speak to the HR director?