In the latest term, a number of school staff members in Wales have faced disciplinary actions and bans for a range of serious incidents. These cases, which came before the Education Workforce Council Wales, involved offences such as showing up to school drunk, inappropriate physical contact with students, and engaging in unacceptable behaviour towards pupils and colleagues.
One of the cases involved Victoria Price, a teaching assistant at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Gilfach Fargoed, who was struck off the professional register for spitting at, biting, and kicking a person. The panel found Price guilty of unacceptable professional conduct, resulting in her removal from the EWC register for an indefinite period.
In another case, Rhian Williams, a science teacher at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin, was banned from the classroom for drinking half a bottle of wine during her lunch break and then teaching a class while under the influence of alcohol. Despite her previously unblemished record, Williams faced serious consequences for her actions.
Teaching assistant Rhys Hitchmough was reprimanded for kissing a male pupil on the chin at Ysgol Bodhyfryd School in Wrexham. The panel imposed a reprimand on his registration as a school learning support worker for a period of two years as a result of his actions.
Additionally, Danielle Louise Fleming, a former director of expressive arts at Maesteg School, was banned for four months after drinking vodka at school and being convicted of drink-driving. Her actions were deemed a serious risk to the safety of herself, her son, students, colleagues, and the public, leading to her removal from the classroom.
Morgan Jones, a religious studies teacher at Ysgol Rhiwabon, was reprimanded for derogatory comments towards students, including calling one pupil a “freak.” Jones apologized for his behaviour and received a two-year reprimand for his actions.
Furthermore, various cases involved incidents such as using inappropriate language towards students, failing to maintain professional boundaries with pupils, and failing to disclose criminal convictions while applying for school positions. These actions led to reprimands, suspensions, and bans from the classroom for different periods of time.
The Education Workforce Council Wales has been actively monitoring and taking necessary actions to uphold professional standards among school staff. These cases serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining ethical conduct and professionalism in educational settings to ensure the well-being and safety of students and colleagues.
As these disciplinary actions unfold, it is essential for schools and educational institutions to prioritize accountability, integrity, and ethical behaviour among their staff members to create a safe and conducive learning environment for all students.