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.

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:

1. said to Learner C words to the effect of ‘I don’t like you, I will make your life a misery’
2. 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.

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:

1. 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.
   
   
2. 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.
   
   
3. 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.
   
   
4. 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.
   
   
5. 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:
   1. 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;
   2. 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.
      
      
6. 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.

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:

1. 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:
   1. his personal phone number
   2. “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.

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:

1. between around 2004 and 2019, displayed behaviour towards one or more colleagues in the Construction Department, including Colleague 1 which was:
   1. intimidating; and
   2. undermining; and
   3. deliberately obstructive; and
   4. bullying in nature.
2. 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.

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:

1. 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.

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:

1. between April 2020 and 4 November 2020, in respect of Cardiff West Community High School (“the School”):
   1. 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;
   2. 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;
   3. did not inform senior management at the School of the ongoing police investigation against him until 4 November 2020.
2. 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:
   1. An “Ma History” from “Newport University Caerleon Campus”, between 20 September 2003 and 18 May 2007; and
   2. A “Ba hons History” from “Newport University Caerleon Campus”, between 20 September 2003 and 18 May 2007; and
   3. An “Ed PGCE” in “Secondary Physical Education with QTS – PGCE”, from “Newport University Caerleon Campus”, between 20 September 2003 and 18 May 2007.
3. 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:
   1. PGCE in “Education Secondary” from “Newport Caerleon” on the approximate date of 14 September 2008; and
   2. MA in History from “Newport Caerleon” on the approximate date of 14 September 2008; and
   3. BA (Hons) in History from “Newport Caerleon” on the approximate date of 7 September 2007.
4. 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.
5. 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:
   1. to change “first written warning” to “verbal warning”; and
   2. to remove five paragraphs of the Disciplinary Panel’s findings.
6. 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:
   1. in his application at allegation 2; and
   2. during his employment with Cardiff West Community High School; and
   3. in communication with the Education Workforce Council on or around 24 January 2020 and 12 May 2023.
7. 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:
   1. Master of Science (MSc) in History, awarded in 2008 from the University of Wales College, Newport;
   2. BA (Hons) with intercalated PGCE in Academic Studies in Education, awarded in 2008 from the University of Wales College, Newport;
   3. Bachelor of Science (BSc) QTS in History, awarded in 2007 from the University of Wales College, Newport; and
   4. Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Further Education), awarded in 2008 from the University of Wales College, Newport.
8. 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:
   1. 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
   2. 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
   3. 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
   4. 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.

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:

1. On or around 20 March 2023;
   1. shouted at Student A through their car window; and
   2. attempted to remove Student A’s car keys from the ignition of their car; and
   3. pointed her finger in close proximity to Student A’s face; and
   4. 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.

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:

1. On 21 March 2023 failed to attend her agency booking at The Ely and Caerau Children’s Centre.
2. Arranged with Individual A that she would present herself as her to the Ely and Caerau Children’s Centre.
3. Did not notify Staffroom Education and The Ely and Caerau Children’s Centre of the arrangement at paragraph 2.
4. 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.