If a fitness to practise committee imposes a disciplinary order on the registration of an education practitioner, a notice will appear here. The notice will remain for a period of 6 months from the day it is published.
The Education Workforce Council, as constituted under the Education (Wales) Act 2014, as amended, hereby gives notice that in accordance with its Disciplinary Procedures and Rules 2024 , Rule 31, a disciplinary order has been imposed on the registration of the following.
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Adrian Roberts - 26 June 2024
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:
- between January 2019 and May 2021, made inappropriate comments and/or gestures towards pupils on one or more of the following occasions:I
- 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
- 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
- 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.
Robert Walker - 26 June 2024
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:
- 29 March 2023, 11:00 to 12:00
- 29 March 2023, 13:00 to 14:00
- 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.
Charlotte Ann Farrell – 17 June 2024
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.
Allison Davies - 5 June 2024
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:
- 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.
- during a later telephone call on 17 February 2022, informed Colleague 3 that:
- she had found the mobile phone that day when this was not the case
- 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.
Katie Walsh - 24 May 2024
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:
- between approximately 2018 and 2021, displayed behaviour towards one or more colleagues, including Colleague A and Colleague B that was:
- intimidating
- undermining
- derogatory
- bullying in nature
- 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
- on one or more occasions between approximately 2017 and 2021, behaved in a rude and/or aggressive and/or patronising manner towards colleagues including:
- in or around 2017 or 2018, when speaking to Colleague F in front of her class
- between April and May 2020, during telephone conversations and/or in person discussions with Colleague D
- 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.
Richard Coombs - 23 May 2024
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:
- 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:
- grabbed Person A’s arm(s) and/or wrist(s)
- threw and/or pushed Person A
- held and/or grabbed Person A’s throat and/or neck
- pushed and/or squeezed Person A on the side of the head
- slapped Person A on the face and/or nose
- pinned and/or held Person A to the floor
- in or around August 2021, sent Person A a text message that said “I wish I punched you so you never woke up”
- 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.
Gwenan Haf Parry - 23 May 2024
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:
- on 25 January 2023, intended to report for work whilst under the influence of alcohol
- 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.
Alun Wyn Jones - 15 May 2024
Publication date: 23 May 2024
A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 13 to 15 May 2024, has found an allegation of ‘unacceptable professional conduct’ proved against further education learning support worker, Alun Wyn Jones.
The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that Mr Jones, whilst employed as an Instructor Demonstrator at Coleg Sir Gâr, on occasions between 2020 and 2022, demonstrated threatening and/or inappropriate behaviour towards learners in that he:
- said to Learner C words to the effect of ‘I don’t like you, I will make your life a misery’
- asked a Learner to carry a heavy wooden extension ladder and shouted and/or said in a raised voice words to the effect of ‘pick it up you wimp’
The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Reprimand on Mr Jones’ registration as a further education teacher, further education learning support worker, and work-based learning practitioner for a period of 2 years (from 15 May 2024 to 15 May 2026).
As such, Mr Jones will be able to work as a registered person:
- further education learning support worker, in FE institutions in Wales
- further education teacher, who provides specific services in or for a further education institution in Wales
- work-based learning practitioner, who provides services for or on behalf of a work-based learning body (other than as a volunteer)
for the period of the Reprimand.
Mr Jones has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.
Dee Jones - 15 May 2024
Publication date: 29 May 2024
A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 14 and 15 May 2024, has found allegations of unacceptable professional conduct and a relevant offence proved against further education learning support worker and school learning support worker, Dee Jones.
The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that Mrs Jones:
- On or around the 13 November 2018, applied to the EWC to register as a school learning support worker and further education learning support worker and indicated in the declarations section of the application form that she did not have any convictions, when this was incorrect.
- On 8 March 2021, applied to the EWC to register as a school learning support worker and indicated in the declarations section of the application form that she did not have any convictions, when this was incorrect.
- On 9 March 2021, applied to the EWC to register as a school learning support worker and indicated in the declarations section of the application form that she did not have any convictions, when this was incorrect.
- On 10 March 2021, applied to the EWC to register as a school learning support worker and indicated in the declarations section of the application form that she did not have any convictions, when this was incorrect.
- On 23 April 2015, was convicted at Gwent Magistrates’ Court of two offences of ‘fail to disclose information to make gain for self/another or to cause loss to other/expose other to a loss’ in that she:
- between 5 September 2013 and 5 August 2014, at Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent committed fraud in that she dishonestly failed to disclose to the Department for Work and Pensions information, namely that she was living with a partner maintaining a common household, which she was under a legal duty to disclose, intending, by that failure, to make a gain, namely benefits, for herself, contrary to sections 1(2)(b) and 3 of the Fraud Act 2006. As a consequence, she was sentenced to a conditional discharge for 3 years;
- between 9 September 2013 and 10 August 2014, at Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent committed fraud in that she dishonestly failed to disclose to Blaenau Gwent Council information, namely that she was living with a partner maintaining a common household, which she was under a legal duty to disclose, intending, by that failure, to make a gain, namely benefits, for herself, contrary to sections 1(2)(b) and 3 of the Fraud Act 2006. As a consequence, she was sentenced to a conditional discharge for 3 years.
- On 2 September 2019, was convicted at Glamorgan Valleys Magistrates’ Court of an offence of common assault, in that on 28 July 2019 at Llangorse assaulted Person A contrary to section 39 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988. As a consequence, she was sentenced to a community order 01/09/20, unpaid work for 80 hours, and ordered to pay compensation of £50.
Having made these findings, the Committee also determined that Mrs Jones conduct at paragraph 1-4 above was dishonest and lacking in integrity.
The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Prohibition Order, indefinitely removing Mrs Jones from the Register of Education Practitioners in the category of further education learning support worker and school learning support worker. It also decided Mrs Jones may not make an application for restoration to the Register of Education Practitioners before a period of 2 years has elapsed. Should Mrs Jones not make a successful application for eligibility for restoration to the Register after 15 May 2026, she will remain prohibited indefinitely.
Mrs Jones has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.
Julian Fuge - 9 May 2024
Publication date: 13 May 2024
A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 8 and 9 May 2024, has found an allegation of ‘unacceptable professional conduct’ proved against further education teacher, Julian FUGE.
The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that whilst employed as a further education teacher at Gower College, Mr Fuge:
- in or around October 2022, gave a hand-written note to Learner 1 with a view to developing a personal relationship with them, in that he wrote:
- his personal phone number
- “we can meet up for a chat about what we feel about each other and where you and I want it to go”
Having made the above findings, the Committee also determined that Mr Fuge’s conduct had been sexually motivated.
The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Reprimand on Mr Fuge’s registration as a further education teacher for a period of 2 years (from 9 May 2024 to 9 May 2026). As such, Mr Fuge 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 Fuge has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.
Michael Millership - 27 March 2024
Publication date: 10 April 2024
A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting on 29 January to 2 February and 25 to 27 March 2024, has found an allegation of unacceptable professional conduct proved against work based learning practitioner and further education learning support worker, Michael Millership.
The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that whilst employed as a Practical Skills Supervisor at Grŵp Landrillo Menai, Mr Millership:
- between around 2004 and 2019, displayed behaviour towards one or more colleagues in the Construction Department, including Colleague 1 which was:
- intimidating; and
- undermining; and
- deliberately obstructive; and
- bullying in nature.
- between around 2017 and May 2018, did not follow City & Guilds and Grŵp Landrillo Menai procedures in relation to assessments, in that he signed learners’ work off as being completed when it had not been completed.
Having made these findings, the Committee also determined that Mr Millership’s conduct lacked integrity in relation to paragraph 2 above.
The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Conditional Registration Order upon Mr Millership’s registration as a work based learning practitioner and further education learning support worker with effect from 27 March 2024.
Mr Millership has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.
Danielle Hamnett - 22 March 2024
Publishing date: 9 April 2024
A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council, sitting remotely on 21 and 22 March 2024, has found an allegation of a ‘relevant offence’ proven against Further Education Teacher, School Learning Support Worker, Further Education Learning Support Worker and Work Based Learning Practitioner Dannielle Hamnett.
The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that Ms Hamnett:
- On 19 November 2020 was convicted at North Central Wales Magistrates of three counts of Driving a motor vehicle with the proportion of specified controlled drug above specified limit on 17 May 2020, contrary to the Road Traffic Act 1988 s.5A(1)(a). As a consequence, Ms Hamnett was disqualified from driving for 24 months with effect from 19 November 2020, and fined £200.
The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Reprimand upon Ms Hamnett’s registration as a further education teacher, further education learning support worker, school learning support worker and work based learning practitioner for a period of two years (from 22 March 2024 to 22 March 2026).
As such, Ms Hamnett will be able to work as a registered person (further education teacher and further education learning support worker) who provides specific services in or for a further education institution in Wales. She will also be able to work as registered person (school learning support worker) in a maintained school or non-maintained special school in Wales. She will also 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 a volunteer).
Ms Hamnett has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.
Adrian Ferguson - 20 March 2024
Pulished: 3 April 2024
A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 18, 19 and 20 March 2024, has found an allegation of unacceptable professional conduct proved against school learning support worker and further education teacher, Adrian Ferguson.
The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that Mr Ferguson:
- between April 2020 and 4 November 2020, in respect of Cardiff West Community High School (“the School”):
- ticked “no” on his application form when asked if he had any convictions including matters that were pending and had not been disposed of at the time of writing, when at that time a police investigation against him was ongoing;
- provided an individual as a reference and did not disclose to the School that he was also a suspect in the police investigation against him;
- did not inform senior management at the School of the ongoing police investigation against him until 4 November 2020.
- on 27 April 2020, submitted a Cardiff Council application form for the post of Science Teacher at Cardiff West Community High School. When completing the “Higher Education and Training” section, he incorrectly stated that he had completed one or more of the following courses:
- An “Ma History” from “Newport University Caerleon Campus”, between 20 September 2003 and 18 May 2007; and
- A “Ba hons History” from “Newport University Caerleon Campus”, between 20 September 2003 and 18 May 2007; and
- An “Ed PGCE” in “Secondary Physical Education with QTS – PGCE”, from “Newport University Caerleon Campus”, between 20 September 2003 and 18 May 2007.
- on 16 August 2021, submitted an application form to South Gloucestershire and Stroud College Trust for a position as a Cover Supervisor at The Forest High School. When completing the “Qualifications” section, incorrectly stated that he had completed one or more of the following courses:
- PGCE in “Education Secondary” from “Newport Caerleon” on the approximate date of 14 September 2008; and
- MA in History from “Newport Caerleon” on the approximate date of 14 September 2008; and
- BA (Hons) in History from “Newport Caerleon” on the approximate date of 7 September 2007.
- in respect of his application at allegation 3 for a position at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, did not include Cardiff West Community High School in his application as a previous employer.
- in respect of his application at allegation 3, he submitted to South Gloucestershire and Stroud College Trust a copy of the outcome letter from a previous employer’s disciplinary process, which he had amended and which he knew had been amended:
- to change “first written warning” to “verbal warning”; and
- to remove five paragraphs of the Disciplinary Panel’s findings.
- between April 2020 and May 2023, incorrectly stated that he had qualified teacher status (QTS) when this was not correct, and he did not make clear that he did not hold QTS:
- in his application at allegation 2; and
- during his employment with Cardiff West Community High School; and
- in communication with the Education Workforce Council on or around 24 January 2020 and 12 May 2023.
- in his application(s) to register with the Education Workforce Council dated 22 January 2020, 23 January 2020 and 24 January 2020, when completing the “Qualification(s)” section, he incorrectly stated that he had completed one or more of these courses:
- Master of Science (MSc) in History, awarded in 2008 from the University of Wales College, Newport;
- BA (Hons) with intercalated PGCE in Academic Studies in Education, awarded in 2008 from the University of Wales College, Newport;
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) QTS in History, awarded in 2007 from the University of Wales College, Newport; and
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Further Education), awarded in 2008 from the University of Wales College, Newport.
- between January 2020 and May 2023, submitted one or more of the following certificates to the Education Workforce Council, which he knew, or reasonably ought to have known, were not genuine:
- On 24 January 2020, a certificate purporting to be from the University of Wales, Newport, dated September 2008, granting a Postgraduate Certificate in Education; and
- On 24 January 2020, a certificate purporting to be from the University of Wales, Newport, dated 14 September 2007, relating to a Bachelor of Science in History; and
- On 20 December 2021 and 12 May 2023, a certificate purporting to be from the Department of Education, confirming that he had achieved qualified teacher status (QTS) on 17 September 2008; and
- On 20 December 2021, a certificate purporting to be from Edexcel, dated August 2014, relating to “Education Assessors (QCF)” at Western College.
Having made these findings, the Committee determined that Mr Ferguson’s conduct at paragraphs 1 to 8 above (other than 1(b)) was misleading and dishonest.
The Committee also determined that Mr Ferguson’s conduct at paragraphs 1 to 8 above demonstrated a lack of integrity.
The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Prohibition Order, indefinitely removing Mr Ferguson from the Register of Education Practitioners in the categories of school learning support worker and further education teacher. It also decided Mr Ferguson may not make an application for restoration to the Register of Education Practitioners before a period of 5 years has elapsed. Should Mr Ferguson not make a successful application for eligibility for restoration to the Register after 20 March 2029, he will remain prohibited indefinitely.
Mr Ferguson has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.
Ceri Ann Ridge - 13 March 2024
Published: 18 March 2024
A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council, sitting remotely on 12 and 13 March 2024, has found an allegation of ‘unacceptable professional conduct’ proven against further education teacher and further education learning support worker, Ceri Ann Ridge.
The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that Miss Ridge:
- On or around 20 March 2023;
- shouted at Student A through their car window; and
- attempted to remove Student A’s car keys from the ignition of their car; and
- pointed her finger in close proximity to Student A’s face; and
- threw a riding crop at Student A’s car.
Having made these findings, the Committee determined that Miss Ridge’s conduct above was inappropriate and intimidating.
The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Reprimand upon Miss Ridge’s registration as a further education teacher and further education learning support worker for a period of two years (from 13 March 2024 to 13 March 2026). As such, Miss Ridge will be able to work as a registered person (further education teacher and further education learning support worker) who provides specific services in or for a further education institution in Wales.
Miss Ridge has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.
Chinwe Obi - 6 March 2024
Published: 18 March 2024
A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting on 5 and 6 March 2024, has found an allegation of unacceptable professional conduct proved against school learning support worker, Chinwe OBI.
The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that whilst employed as School Learning Support Worker at Staffroom Education, Mrs Obi:
- On 21 March 2023 failed to attend her agency booking at The Ely and Caerau Children’s Centre.
- Arranged with Individual A that she would present herself as her to the Ely and Caerau Children’s Centre.
- Did not notify Staffroom Education and The Ely and Caerau Children’s Centre of the arrangement at paragraph 2.
- Her actions as set out in paragraphs 2 and 3 above were in pursuit of receiving payment for work not undertaken by her.
The Fitness to Practice Committee found that Mrs Obi’s actions as set out in paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 above were dishonest.
The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Reprimand on Mrs Obi’s registration as a school learning support worker for a period of 2 years (from 6 March 2024 to 6 March 2026). As such, Mrs Obi 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 Obi has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.
Shon Prebble - 29 February 2024
Published: 14 March 2024
A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 27 to 29 February 2024, has found an allegation of ‘unacceptable professional conduct’ proved against school teacher, Shon Prebble.
The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that Mr Prebble, whilst employed as a School Teacher at Ysgol Bryn Alyn School, Wrexham:
- Between September 2022 and November 2022, engaged in an inappropriate and unprofessional use of social media with Former Pupil A, who is still a child.
- As a result of his conduct at paragraph 1, Mr Prebble did not comply with safeguarding training.
The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Reprimand on Mr Prebble’s registration as a school teacher for a period of 2 years (from 29 February 2024 to 28 February 2026). As such, Mr Prebble 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 Prebble has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.
Kate Morris - 23 February 2024
Published date: 4 March 2024
A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council, sitting remotely on 20 to 23 February 2024, has found an allegation of ‘unacceptable professional conduct’ proven against further education teacher and school teacher, Kate Morris.
The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that Ms Morris:
- between approximately September 2021 and February 2022, did not ensure that registers were completed accurately in that she:
- marked learners as having attended a face-to-face lesson when the lesson had been undertaken online.
- marked learners as present online when the learner had not attended the lesson.
- marked learners as present in lessons when these learners were not undertaking the programme.
- did not teach the Access to High Education (AHE) Health course for all and/or part of the timetabled period by:
- starting lessons late and/or Finishing lessons early.
- altering start and finish times.
- cancelling lessons.
- moving lessons online without the permission of her line manager.
- did not provide adequate support and/or feedback to learners in that she did not:
- return work to learners in a timely manner.
- ensure that UCAS forms were submitted in a timely manner.
The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Reprimand upon Ms Morris’s registration as a further education teacher and school teacher for a period of two years (from 23 February 2024 to 23 February 2026). As such, Ms Morris 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. She will also be able to work as registered person (school teacher) in a maintained school or non-maintained special school in Wales.
Ms Morris has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.
Teresa Annette Scutt - 22 February 2024
Published: 1 March 2024
A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 20, 21 and 22 February 2024, has found an allegation of ‘unacceptable professional conduct’ proved against work based learning practitioner, Teresa Annette Scutt
The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that whilst employed as a youth engagement tutor at COPA (North Wales Training), Miss Scutt:
- on 5 September 2022, shared sensitive, confidential information with Colleague A in the presence of Colleague B and Learner B.
- on 24 February 2021, attended a Court Hearing during work hours and failed to pre-authorise this absence with their Line Manager.
- on 26 October 2020, consumed alcohol during work hours.
- on 26 October 2020, failed to pour the alcohol away when requested to by Colleague C.
Having made these findings, the Committee also determined that Miss Scutt’s conduct at paragraph 2 above was dishonest.
The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Prohibition Order, indefinitely removing Miss Scutt from the Register of Education Practitioners in the category of work based learning practitioner. It also decided Miss Scutt may not make an application for restoration to the Register of Education Practitioners before a period of 3 years has elapsed. Should Miss Scutt not make a successful application for eligibility for restoration to the Register after 22 February 2027, she will remain prohibited indefinitely.
Miss Scutt has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.
Michael Gumm - 7 February 2024
Published: 16 February 2024
A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 5, 6 and 7 February 2024, has found allegations of unacceptable professional conduct proved against work based learning practitioner and further education learning support worker, Michael Gumm.
The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that whilst employed as an Assessor by Tydfil Training Consortium (TTC) and working at The College Merthyr Tydfil, Mr Gumm:
- made comments of a sexual and inappropriate nature on a number of occasions in or around October 2022.
- in or around 18 October 2022, discussed inappropriate personal information with Learner B and Learner C.
- on a date or dates between 11 October 2022 and 18 October 2022, invited one or more learners to contact him on Facebook.
The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Prohibition Order, indefinitely removing Mr Gumm from the Register of Education Practitioners in the category of further education learning support worker and work based learning practitioner. It also decided Mr Gumm may not make an application for restoration to the Register of Education Practitioners before a period of 2 years has elapsed. Should Mr Gumm not make a successful application for eligibility for restoration to the Register after 7 February 2026, he will remain prohibited indefinitely.
Mr Gumm has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.
Isaac Harrison - 1 February 2024
Published: 7 February 2024
A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 29 January to 1 February 2024, has found an allegation of ‘unacceptable professional conduct’ proved against school teacher, Isaac Harrison.
The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that Mr Harrison, whilst employed as a School Teacher at Archbishop McGrath RC Comprehensive School:
- between January and March 2022, put a tampon up his nose.
- on or around 10 March 2022, encouraged a pupil with additional learning needs, Pupil C, to send a text message to another pupil, Pupil D, which concerned their relationship.
- asked Pupil F to take a photo of them and the class when there was no valid reason for doing so.
The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Reprimand on Mr Harrison’s registration as a school teacher for a period of 2 years (from 1 February 2024 to 1 February 2026). As such, Mr Harrison 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 Harrison has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.
Michael Walsh - 24 January 2024
Published: 2 February 2024
A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 23 and 24 January 2024, has found allegations of relevant offences and unacceptable professional conduct proved against school learning support worker, Michael WALSH.
The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Suspension Order (with conditions) on Mr Walsh’s registration as a school learning support worker for a period of 12 months (from 24 January 2024 to 24 January 2025). As such, Mr Walsh will not 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 Suspension Order. After 24 January 2025, he will again become eligible for registration provided that he complies with the conditions imposed.
Mr Walsh has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.
Amy Jane Cunniffe - 16 January 2024
Published: 24 January 2024
A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 16 January 2024, has found allegations of unacceptable professional conduct and a relevant offence proved against school learning support worker, Amy Jane Cunniffe.
The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that:
- whilst employed as a teaching assistant, Miss Cunniffe, on 31 October 2022, drove a car under the influence of alcohol which put others at risk
- on 15 November 2022, Miss Cunniffe was convicted of failing to provide a specimen for analysis (driving or attempting to drive) on 31 October 2022, contrary to section 7(6) of the Road Traffic Act 1988. As a consequence of this offence, she was sentenced to a community order for 12 months with an unpaid work requirement, a rehabilitation activity requirement and disqualified from driving obligatory 36 months.
The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Suspension Order (without conditions) upon Miss Cunniffe’s registration as a school learning support worker for a period of 12 months (from 16 January 2024 until 16 January 2025). As such, Miss Cunniffe will not 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 Suspension Order.
Miss Cunniffe has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.
Linda Mary Frame - 27 October 2023
Published: 13 November 2023
A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council, sitting remotely on 22 – 26 May and 23 – 27 October 2023, has found an allegation of ‘unacceptable professional conduct’ proven against school teacher, Linda FRAME.
The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that whilst employed as a Headteacher at Llangiwg Primary School:
- In relation to the Red Dragon Child Care wrap-around nursery provision (“the wraparound provision”), she did not ensure that:
- the provision was registered with the then-Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW); and
- the provision complied with the National Minimum Standards for Regulated Childcare.
- In relation to the financial management of the wraparound provision, she did not ensure that:
- accurate accounts were kept of income and outgoings; and
- cash received from parents was banked appropriately or at all, and recorded in the School’s budget.
- In relation to payment of staff at the wraparound provision, she allowed staff to be paid “cash in hand” without taking into account tax and national insurance.
- Ms Frame did not ensure that the Special Educational Needs (SEN) practice in the school was compliant with the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice for Wales (2002), in that she did not:
- keep sufficient records of SEN documentation; and
- ensure that learners’ IEPs were updated;
- Ms Frame did not ensure that learners with Special Educational Needs were put forward for assessment and/or support in a timely manner, including:
- Learner A; and
- Learner C; and
- Learner M; and
- Learner L; and
- Learner D; and
- Learner G; and
- Learner F; and
- Learner E.
The Fitness to Practise committee found Ms Frame’s conduct at paragraphs 2(a), 2(c) and 3 lacked integrity.
The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Conditional Registration Order upon Ms Frame’s registration as a school teacher with effect from 27 October 2023.
Addendum to decision of Fitness to Practise Committee
On 6 December 2023, Mrs Frame (the Appellant) filed and served an appeal on the EWC (the Respondent) under s.32 of the Education (Wales) Act 2014 against the decision of the Fitness to Practise Committee (FtPC) formally handed down on 8 November 2023.
On 15 March 2024 the Appellant and Respondent sought a consent order to dispose of the appeal in accordance with Paragraph 6.4 of CPR PD 52A on the basis that there are good and sufficient reasons for doing so. The terms of the limited consent order that were agreed between the parties was:
“The Respondent’s Notification of Decision dated 8 November 2023, to apply a Conditional Registration Order, is hereby varied in that the Conditional Registration Order is set aside and, in its place, the Respondent hereby imposes a Reprimand for a period of 2 years (from 8 November 2023 until 7 November 2025.”
The EWC has agreed to dispose of the appeal by consent, on the terms set out above, for the following four reasons:
- The FtPC did not explain their reasoning for imposing a Conditional Registration Order (CRO), or the conditions which made up the CRO, or how the imposition of a CRO met the public interest;
- The conditions imposed relate solely to the Special Educational Needs/Additional Learning Needs aspects of the facts found proven, and not to the other aspects of the allegation found proven by the FtPC;
- The Appellant had made it clear that it would not be possible for her to comply with conditions of practice because she had been retired since September 2017.
- Reprimand is within the range of appropriate sanctions to meet the public interest and in the interests of avoiding protracted litigation.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Consent Order disposes of the appeal, and the Appellant agrees not to pursue the other grounds set out in the Appellant’s grounds of appeal. All other findings of the FtPC set out in their decision handed down on 8 November 2023, save for that relating to the ‘Disciplinary Order’ are unaffected by the appeal and the consent order entered into by the parties.