Publication date: 27 November 2024

A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 19 and 20 November 2024, has found an allegation of ‘unacceptable professional conduct’ proved against further education learning support worker, Phillip Lewis.

The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that whilst employed as a Tutor at Pembrokeshire College, Mr Lewis:

1. on or around 18 January 2023, accepted a conditional caution from Dyfed-Powys Police for being in possession of a controlled drug, namely cocaine, on 23 November 2022, contrary to s. 5(2) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
2. on 23 November 2022, was in possession of a class A drug, namely cocaine, during working hours on Pembrokeshire College premises

The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Prohibition Order, indefinitely removing Mr Lewis from the Register of Education Practitioners in the category of further education learning support worker. It also decided Mr Lewis may not make an application for restoration to the Register of Education Practitioners before a period of two years has elapsed. Should Mr Lewis not make a successful application for eligibility for restoration to the Register after 20 November 2026, he will remain prohibited indefinitely.

Mr Lewis has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.

Publication date: 1 November 2024

A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 24, 25, 28 and 29 October 2024, have found an allegation of ‘unacceptable professional conduct’ and an allegation of a ‘relevant offence’ proved against further education teacher, Leah Johns.  

The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Suspension Order (with conditions) on Ms Johns’ registration as a further education teacher for a period of 12 months (from 29 October 2024 to 29 October 2025), provided that she meets the conditions specified within this timeframe.

As such, Ms Johns will not be able to work as a registered person (further education teacher) who provides specific services in or for a further education institution in Wales for the period of the Suspension Order. 

Ms Johns has a right of appeal to High Court within 28 days.  

Publication date: 23 October 2024

A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 14 to 16 October 2024, has found an allegation of ‘unacceptable professional conduct’ proved against work-based learning practitioner, Kristen Evans.

The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that whilst employed as an Assessor with ACT Training Ltd, Mr Evans:

1. between October 2022 and May 2023, acted in an inappropriate manner towards Colleague A in that he was rude and/or aggressive towards her and/or did not cooperate with her

2. between March and May 2023, did not make contact with Health and Social Care Core learner(s) and/or progress their work, despite informing his manager(s) during weekly and/or monthly meetings that he had done so

3. on 26 February 2020, applied to register with the EWC as a work-based learning practitioner and did not declare in the application form that he had been previously convicted, when it was appropriate to make this declaration at Part 8 of the application form

Having made the above findings, the Committee also determined that Mr Evans’ conduct at paragraphs 2 and 3 above was dishonest and lacked integrity.

The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Prohibition Order, indefinitely removing Mr Evans from the Register of Education Practitioners in the category of work-based learning practitioner. It also decided Mr Evans may not make an application for restoration to the Register of Education Practitioners before a period of 2 years has elapsed. Should Mr Evans not make a successful application for eligibility for restoration to the Register after 16 October 2026, he will remain prohibited indefinitely.

Mr Evans has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.

Publication date: 21 Hydref 2024

A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 30 September and 1 to 4 October 2024, has found an allegation of unacceptable professional conduct proved against school teacher, Mr James Jones.

The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that whilst employed as a Deputy Headteacher at Wats Dyke Primary School, Mr Jones engaged in inappropriate use of social media on a number of occasions in that:

1. on or around 17 January 2022, he shared two videos to all subscribed parents on the school SeeSaw app which showed pupils in his Year 1/2 class sharing personal and/or confidential information in that:
   1. video 1 showed pupils sharing pupils’ spelling score results in September 2021 following their spelling score result in January 2022
   2. video 2 showed pupils’ spelling score result number increase from September 2021 to January 2022
2. on or around 18 January 2021, he shared his class SeeSaw blog page to his public Facebook account.

Having made these findings, the Committee also determined that Mr Jones’ conduct at 1 and 2 breached confidentiality.

The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Reprimand on Mr Jones’ registration as a school teacher for a period of 2 years (from 4 October 2024 to 4 October 2026). As such, Mr Jones will be able to work as a registered person (school teacher) in a maintained school or non-maintained special school in Wales for the period of the Reprimand.

Mr Jones has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.

Publication date: 11 October 2024

A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 30 September to 3 October 2024, have found an allegation of ‘unacceptable professional conduct’ proved against further education teacher, Martin Lofthouse.  

The Committee found the following allegations proven, that whilst employed as a lecturer at Gower College Swansea Mr Lofthouse, on 7 June 2023:

• blocked Learner A from leaving the classroom
• made inappropriate and/or unnecessary contact with Learner A, in that they grabbed and/or held Learner A by the arm and/or shoulder
• shouted at Learner A

The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Reprimand on Mr Lofthouse’s registration as a further education teacher for a period of 2 years (from 3 October 2024 to 3 October 2026). As such, Mr Lofthouse will be able to work as a registered person (further education teacher) who provides specific services in or for a further education institution in Wales for the period of the Reprimand.

Mr Lofthouse has a right of appeal to High Court within 28 days.

Publication date: 9 October 2024

A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 2 and 3 October 2024, has found allegations of ‘unacceptable professional conduct’ and ‘a relevant offence’ proved against school teacher, David Sweet.

The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that whilst employed as a school teacher at Ysgol John Bright, Mr Sweet:

1. on 18 June 2018, was convicted at Cheshire Magistrates’ Court of using threatening/abusive words/behaviour or disorderly behaviour likely to cause harassment/alarm on 25 March 2018, contrary to section 5(1) (a) and section 5(6) of the Public Order Act 1986. As a consequence of this offence, he was fined £225

2. on 30 June 2022, was convicted at North East Wales Magistrates’ Court of driving a motor vehicle with excess alcohol on 1 June 2022, contrary to section 5(1)(a) of the Road Traffic Act 1988. As a consequence of this offence, on 21 July 2022, he was disqualified from driving for 24 months and fined £1071

3. on or around 15 July 2016 and/or 18 June 2018, provided inaccurate information to the school about the reasons for his absence from work in that he reported that he was unwell, when he was in fact attending court

4. on or around 15 July 2016 and/or 18 June 2018, failed to disclose to the school that he had received a criminal conviction(s)

Having made the above findings, the Committee also determined that Mr Sweet’s conduct at paragraphs 3 and 4 above was dishonest and lacked integrity.

The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Reprimand upon Mr Sweet’s registration as a school teacher for a period of two years (from 3 October 2024 to 3 October 2026). As such, Mr Sweet will be able to work as a registered person (school teacher) in a maintained school or non-maintained special school in Wales for the period of the Reprimand. 

Mr Sweet has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.

Publication date: 2 October 2024

A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 23 and 24 September 2024, has found an allegation of ‘unacceptable professional conduct’ proved against work-based learning practitioner, Timothy John.

The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that whilst employed as a Training Officer at Cambrian Training, Mr John:

1. between 2020 and 2022, on one or more occasion, submitted a Progress Achievement Record for a Learner when it did not occur
2. between 2020 and 2022, on one or more occasion, created false documents to support that the Progress Achievement Record for a Learner had taken place

Having made these findings, the Committee also determined that Mr John’s conduct at paragraphs 1 and 2 above was dishonest and lacking in integrity.

The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Prohibition Order, indefinitely removing Mr John from the Register of Education Practitioners in the category of work-based learning practitioner. It also decided Mr John may not make an application for restoration to the Register of Education Practitioners before a period of two years has elapsed. Should Mr John not make a successful application for eligibility for restoration to the Register after 24 September 2026, he will remain prohibited indefinitely.

Mr John has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.

Publication date: 27 September

A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 10, 11 and 12 September 2024, has found an allegation of ‘unacceptable professional conduct’ proved against work-based learning practitioner, Samuel Harvey.

The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that whilst employed as a MPCT Schools Lead Instructor Teacher at Learning Curve Group, Mr Harvey:

1. in or around September 2022, made one or more of the following inappropriate comments to learners, or whilst in their presence in that he:
   1. advised a learner that he had been arrested over the summer
   2. offered a learner free access to the Loft nightclub
   3. told learners words to the effect of he was looking forward to going home and spending the night with his wife and/or partner after she had got lip filler
   4. accused a learner of starting a fire in a multi storey car park.

The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Reprimand upon Mr Harvey’s registration as a work based learning practitioner for a period of two years (from 12 September 2024 to 12 September 2026). As such, Mr Harvey will be able to work as a registered person (work based learning practitioner) who provides services for or on behalf of a work based learning body (other than as a volunteer) in Wales for the period of the Reprimand.

Mr Harvey has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.

Publication date: 13 September 2024

A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 10 September 2024, has found an allegation of unacceptable professional conduct proved against school learning support worker, Louise Thomas.

The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that Ms Thomas, on 6 April 2018, accepted a caution from Gwent Police for Theft from Person on 15 February 2018, contrary to s.1. of the Theft Act 1968.

The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Prohibition Order, indefinitely removing Ms Thomas from the Register of Education Practitioners in the category of school learning support worker. It also decided Ms Thomas may not make an application for restoration to the Register of Education Practitioners before a period of 2 years has elapsed. Should Ms Thomas not make a successful application for eligibility for restoration to the Register after 10 September 2026, she will remain prohibited indefinitely.

Ms Thomas has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.

Publication date: 13 September

A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 3 and 4 September 2024, has found an allegation of unacceptable professional conduct proved against school learning support worker, Aaron Phillips.

The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that Mr Phillips:

1. on 10 June 2022, accepted a caution from Dyfed-Powys Police for ‘disclose/threaten to disclose private sexual photographs and film with intent to cause distress on 02/01/22’, contrary to s. 33(1)(9) of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015

2. did not inform the EWC that he had been cautioned for the offence of ‘disclose/threaten to disclose private sexual photographs and films with intent to cause distress’

Having made these findings, the Committee determined that Mr Phillips’ conduct at paragraph 2 above was dishonest and demonstrated a lack of integrity.

The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Prohibition Order, indefinitely removing Mr Phillips from the Register of Education Practitioners in the category of school learning support worker. It also decided Mr Phillips may not make an application for restoration to the Register of Education Practitioners before a period of 2 years has elapsed. Should Mr Phillips not make a successful application for eligibility for restoration to the Register after 4 September 2026, he will remain prohibited indefinitely.

Mr Phillips has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.

Publication date: 21 August 2024

A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 25 July and 13 August 2024, has found allegations of a relevant offence proved against school learning support worker, Molly Williams.

The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that Miss Williams:

1. On 18 September 2023, was convicted of the following offences at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court:
   1. causing serious injury by driving a mechanically propelled vehicle on a road, on 31 March 2023, without due care and attention, contrary to s.2(c) of the Road Traffic Act 1988. As a consequence of this offence, on 9 October 2023, Miss Williams was sentenced to a Community Order to be completed by 8 October 2024, a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement for a maximum of 20 days, disqualification from driving for 16 months, ordered to pay compensation of £200 and fined £200.
   2. driving a motor vehicle, on 31 March 2023, otherwise than in accordance with a licence authorising her to drive a motor vehicle of that class, contrary to s.87(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1988. As a consequence of this offence, on 9 October 2023, Miss Williams’ driving licence was endorsed and there was no separate penalty.
   3. using a motor vehicle on a road, or other public place on 31 March 2023, without a policy of insurance, contrary to s.143 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. As a consequence of this offence, on 9 October 2023, Miss Williams’ driving licence was endorsed and there was no separate penalty.
   4. driving a motor vehicle on 31 March 2023, after consuming so much alcohol that the proportion of it in Miss Williams’ breath, namely 52 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, exceeded the prescribed limit, contrary to s.5(1)(a) of the Road Traffic Act 1988. As a consequence of this offence, on 9 October 2023, she was sentenced to a Community Order to be completed by 8 October 2024, a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement for a maximum of 20 days and were disqualified from driving for 16 months.

The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Prohibition Order, indefinitely removing Miss Williams from the Register of Education Practitioners in the category of school learning support worker. It also decided Miss Williams may not make an application for restoration to the Register of Education Practitioners before a period of 2 years has elapsed. Should Miss Williams not make a successful application for eligibility for restoration to the Register after 13 August 2026, she will remain prohibited indefinitely.

Miss Williams has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.

Publication date: 30 July 2024

A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 11 and 12 June 2024, has found an allegation of unacceptable professional conduct proved against school learning support worker, Alun Wyn Rogers.

The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that whilst employed as a school learning support worker at Ysgol Plas Coch, Mr Rogers, on 22 March 2022, slapped Child A on the arm whilst on an educational visit to Alyn Waters.

The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Conditional Registration Order upon Mr Rogers’ registration as a school learning support worker with effect from 12 June 2024 for a period of 6 months, provided that Mr Rogers meets the conditions within this timeframe.

Mr Rogers has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.

Publication date: 25 July 2024

A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 16, 17 and 18 July 2024, have found an allegation of unacceptable professional conduct proved against further education teacher, Glenda Irene Davies.

The Committee found the following allegations proven, that whilst employed as a lecturer at Coleg Gwent. Miss Davies, during the evening of Sunday 29 May 2022, sent a message to Learner A on Facebook.

The message sent to Learner A as set out at paragraph 1 above was inappropriate in that:

1. it was sent outside of college hours
2. it was sent from their personal Facebook account
3. referred to their professional relationship with Learner A coming to an end in 3 weeks’ time and insinuated to Learner A that contact after this could continue

The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Reprimand on Miss Davies’ registration as a further education teacher, school teacher, independent school teacher and school learning support worker for a period of 2 years (from 18 July 2024 to 18 July 2026).

As such, Miss Davies will be able to work as a:

• further education teacher who provides specific services in or for a further education institution in Wales
• registered person (school teacher) in a maintained school or non-maintained special school in Wales
• registered person (independent school teacher) in or for an independent school in Wales
• registered person (school learning support worker) in a maintained school or non-maintained special school in Wales

for the period of the Reprimand.

Miss Davies has a right of appeal to High Court within 28 days.

Publication date: 24 July 2024

A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting in private and remotely on 15 and 16 July 2024, has found an allegation of ‘unacceptable professional conduct’ proved against school teacher, Leony Moira Hall.  

The Committee found the following allegation proven, that whilst employed as a School Teacher at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin, Miss Hall, on or around 17 May 2022, hit and/or slapped Pupil A.

The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Suspension Order (with conditions) on Miss Hall’s registration as a school teacher for a period of 18 months (from 16 July 2024 to 16 January 2026), provided that she meets the conditions specified within this timeframe.  

As such, Miss Hall will not be able to work as a school teacher in a maintained school or non-maintained special school in Wales for the period of the order.

Miss Hall has a right of appeal to High Court within 28 days. 

Publication date: 18 July 2024

A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting in private and remotely on 9 and 10 July 2024, has found an allegation of ‘unacceptable professional conduct’ proved against school teacher and independent school teacher, Michael Robert Blackburn.

The Committee found the following allegations proven, that whilst employed as a School Teacher at St John’s College, Mr Blackburn

1. between around February 2020 and November 2022, in respect of safeguarding concerns, did not escalate safeguarding concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead and/or appropriate colleague at all.
2. between around February 2020 and November 2022, exchanged emails with Pupil 1 which were of an inappropriate and/or unprofessional nature.
3. between around February 2020 and November 2022, did not maintain a professional relationship and/or boundary with Pupil 1.
4. Between around February 2020 and November 2022, disclosed personal information about other pupils to Pupil 1.

The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Suspension Order (with conditions) on Mr Blackburn’s registration as a school teacher and independent school teacher for a period of 6 months (from 10 July 2024 to 10 January 2025), provided that he meets the conditions specified within this timeframe.

As such, Mr Blackburn will not be able to work as a school teacher in a maintained school or non-maintained special school in Wales, or independent school teacher in or for an independent school in Wales for the period of the suspension.

Mr Blackburn has a right of appeal to High Court within 28 days.

Publication date: 28 June 2024

A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 24, 25 and 26 June 2024, has found allegations of unacceptable professional conduct proved against school teacher and school learning support worker, Adrian Roberts.

The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that Mr Roberts:

1. between January 2019 and May 2021, made inappropriate comments and/or gestures towards pupils on one or more of the following occasions:I
   1. in March 2020, during a discussion with Pupil C regarding Pupil G’s signature, said ‘if you add a K to it…it has a whole new meaning’, or words to that effect
   2. during the spring term of 2019, said ‘I hope that is the only thing you are doing down there’, or words to that effect, when Pupil D bent down to retrieve a pencil
   3. on or around November 2019, whilst in the school canteen, looked Pupil D up and down and winked at her

The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Prohibition Order, indefinitely removing Mr Roberts from the Register of Education Practitioners in the categories of school teacher and school learning support worker. It also decided Mr Roberts may not make an application for restoration to the Register of Education Practitioners before a period of 2 years has elapsed. Should Mr Roberts not make a successful application for eligibility for restoration to the Register after 26 June 2026, he will remain prohibited indefinitely.

Mr Roberts has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.

Publication date: 28 June 2024

A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 24, 25 and 26 June 2024, has found an allegation of ‘unacceptable professional conduct’ proved against further education teacher, Mr Robert Walker.

The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that whilst employed as a Lecturer at Bridgend College, Mr Walker allowed learners to use a calculator in an Application of Number examination, when he knew this was not allowed, on the following separate occasions:

1. 29 March 2023, 11:00 to 12:00
2. 29 March 2023, 13:00 to 14:00
3. 31 March 2023, 12:15 to 13:15p

Having made these findings, the Committee also determined that Mr Walker’s conduct was dishonest and demonstrated a lack of integrity.

The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Reprimand on Mr Walker’s registration as a further education teacher for a period of 2 years (from 26 June 2024 to 26 June 2026). As such, Mr Walker will be able to work as a registered person (further education teacher) who provides specific services in or for a further education institution in Wales.

Mr Walker has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.

Publication date: 28 June 2024

A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting in private, remotely on 17 June 2024, has found an allegation of ‘unacceptable professional conduct’ proved against school learning support worker, Charlotte Ann Farrell.

The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven that on 25 July 2022, a child in Ms Farrell’s care was left unaccompanied and, as a result, Ms Farrell  accepted a caution for an offence contrary to section 1(1) of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933.

The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Reprimand on Ms Farrell’s registration as a school learning support worker for a period of 2 years (from 17 June 2024 to 17 June 2026). As such, Ms Farrell will be able to work as a registered person (school learning support worker) in a maintained school or non-maintained special school in Wales for the period of the Reprimand.

Ms Farrell has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.

Publication date: 12 June 2024

A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 3, 4 and 5 June 2024, has found allegations of ‘unacceptable professional conduct’ proved against school learning support worker, Allison Davies.

The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that whilst employed as a Teaching Assistant at St Joseph’s Cathedral Primacy School, Mrs Davies:

1. on 17 February 2022, during a morning telephone call with Colleague 3, did not tell her that she was in possession of a phone when asked if she knew anything about it.
2. during a later telephone call on 17 February 2022, informed Colleague 3 that:
   1. she had found the mobile phone that day when this was not the case
   2. Colleague 1 had assisted her in finding the mobile phone when this was not the case.

Having made these findings, the Committee also determined that Mrs Davies’ conduct was dishonest.

The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Reprimand on Mrs Davies’ registration as a school learning support worker for a period of 2 years (from 5 June 2024 to 5 June 2026). As such, Mrs Davies will be able to work as a registered person (school learning support worker) in a maintained school or non-maintained special school in Wales for the period of the Reprimand.

Mrs Davies has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.

Publication date: 4 June 2024

A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 May 2024, has found an allegation of ‘unacceptable professional conduct’ proved against school teacher, Katie Walsh.

The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that whilst employed as a School Teacher and Foundation Phase Lead at Raglan Primary School, Mrs Walsh:

1. between approximately 2018 and 2021, displayed behaviour towards one or more colleagues, including Colleague A and Colleague B that was:
   1. intimidating
   2. undermining
   3. derogatory
   4. bullying in nature
2. in or around October 2020, stated, in respect of Pupil B, and within earshot of a class of Y4 children, that Pupil B was behaving “like a bit of a t***” or words to that effect
3. on one or more occasions between approximately 2017 and 2021, behaved in a rude and/or aggressive and/or patronising manner towards colleagues including:
   1. in or around 2017 or 2018, when speaking to Colleague F in front of her class
   2. between April and May 2020, during telephone conversations and/or in person discussions with Colleague D
   3. on 22 November 2021, during a meeting with Colleague E.

The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Prohibition Order, indefinitely removing Mrs Walsh from the Register of Education Practitioners in the category of school teacher. It also decided Mrs Walsh may not make an application for restoration to the Register of Education Practitioners before a period of 2 years has elapsed. Should Mrs Walsh not make a successful application for eligibility for restoration to the Register after 24 May 2026, she will remain prohibited indefinitely.

Mrs Walsh has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.

Publication date: 4 June 2024

A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 21, 22 and 23 May 2024, has found an allegation of ‘unacceptable professional conduct’ proved against school teacher, Richard Coombs.

The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that Mr Coombs:

1. between June 2021 and March 2022, acted in an inappropriate manner and/or used excessive force towards Person A, in that on more than one occasion he:
   1. grabbed Person A’s arm(s) and/or wrist(s)
   2. threw and/or pushed Person A
   3. held and/or grabbed Person A’s throat and/or neck
   4. pushed and/or squeezed Person A on the side of the head
   5. slapped Person A on the face and/or nose
   6. pinned and/or held Person A to the floor
2. in or around August 2021, sent Person A a text message that said “I wish I punched you so you never woke up”
3. between September 2021 and January 2022, sent text message(s) that were racist and/or offensive in nature

The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Prohibition Order, indefinitely removing Mr Coombs from the Register of Education Practitioners in the category of school teacher. It also decided Mr Coombs should not have the opportunity to apply for restoration of his eligibility to register until after a period of three years has elapsed. Should Mr Coombs not make a successful application for eligibility for restoration to the Register after 23 May 2027, he will remain prohibited indefinitely.

Mr Coombs has a right of appeal to the King’s Bench Division of the High Court within 28 days.

Publication date: 3 June 2024

A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 21, 22 and 23 May 2024, has found allegations of ‘unacceptable professional conduct’ and ‘a relevant offence’ proved against school teacher and school learning support worker, Gwenan Haf Parry.

The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that whilst employed as a Teaching Assistant at Ysgol Gynradd Y Felinheli, Miss Parry:

1. on 25 January 2023, intended to report for work whilst under the influence of alcohol
2. on 28 February 2023, was convicted driving a motor vehicle on 25 January 2023 on a road after consuming so much alcohol that the proportion of it in her breath, namely 88 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, exceeded the prescribed limit, contrary to section s.5(1)(a) Road Traffic Act 1988. As a consequence of this offence, on 28 February 2023, she was sentenced to pay a fine of £350 and disqualified from driving for 22 months

The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Reprimand on Miss Parry’s registration as a school teacher and school learning support worker for a period of 2 years (from 23 May 2024 to 23 May 2026). As such, Miss Parry will be able to work as a registered person (school teacher and school learning support worker) in a maintained school or non-maintained special school in Wales for the period of the Reprimand.

Miss Parry has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.