Teacher Cleared by Panel for Allowing Child to Spend Four Hours in School Toilet to Calm Down
In a recent ruling by the Education Workforce Council Wales, a teacher has been vindicated for enabling a child to stay in a school toilet for over four hours in order to calm down. The professional standards committee found that Sally Berry’s decision to allow the child to remain in the toilet did not cause any harm, with the child emerging from the cubicle “calm and happy”, according to panel chair Sue Davies.
The child, who has additional needs, had secluded himself in the two-metre by two-metre toilet cubicle at Waldo Williams Primary in Haverfordwest from around 11 am until 3.20 pm without any food or drink. However, the committee heard that the child used the space as a safe haven to regulate his emotions. Mrs. Berry’s decision to let the child control the situation prevented any potential outbursts of anger or violence, which had occurred in the past.
During the remote hearing on April 11, the committee acknowledged that Mrs. Berry could have informed senior staff earlier in the day about the child’s location in the toilet. However, the panel noted that the breakdown in relations with the headteacher, Debbie Bond, who has since left the school, contributed to Mrs. Berry’s delayed response in seeking help. The committee highlighted that safeguarding procedures at Waldo Williams Primary were ambiguous at the time, creating confusion around reporting protocols.
Despite Mrs. Berry falsely informing the child’s parents that she checked on him every five to 10 minutes while he was in the toilet, the committee established that both she and other staff members monitored the child regularly, ensuring his safety. Allegations of lacking integrity and dishonesty were not substantiated, and Mrs. Berry was deemed not guilty of unacceptable professional conduct.
The panel noted that the toilet cubicle where the child spent the four hours was spacious, equipped with a skylight, a chair, and access to water from a tap. Mrs. Berry, a seasoned teacher overseeing the school’s special resource unit, was commended for her appropriate actions in challenging circumstances. She also provided guidance to teaching assistants on how to manage the situation in her absence during lunchtime.
Following the incident in May 2023, Mrs. Berry left the school and now works for a homeless charity, with no sanctions imposed on her teaching registration. Panel chair Mrs. Davies expressed well wishes for Mrs. Berry’s future career, highlighting the emotional toll of the proceedings. Mrs. Berry appeared relieved and smiled upon hearing the panel’s decision, signifying the end of a challenging chapter.
The committee considered and debunked various allegations against Mrs. Berry, including claims related to a separate incident involving another child, known as Child X. Mrs. Berry’s handling of both cases, alongside her adherence to safeguarding procedures, was ultimately vindicated by the panel. Despite some discrepancies in communication with the child’s parents and procedural documentation, Mrs. Berry’s overall conduct was deemed appropriate and in the child’s best interest.
In conclusion, the ruling by the Education Workforce Council Wales highlights the complexities that teachers face in managing children with additional needs. Mrs. Berry’s case underscores the importance of fostering a safe and supportive environment for all students, even in challenging circumstances. The outcome of this hearing serves as a reminder of the nuanced responsibilities educators hold in safeguarding and supporting vulnerable pupils within the school system.