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 2023 , Rule 31, a disciplinary order has been imposed on the registration of the following.
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.
Nicola Demmer-Evans - 13 December 2023
Published: 21 December 2023
A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 12 and 13 December 2023, has found an allegation of unacceptable professional conduct proved against school learning support worker Nicola Demmer-Evans.
The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that whilst employed as a school learning support worker at Pontyclun Primary School, Mrs Demmer-Evans:
- Between 23 March 2020 and 10 June 2020, misappropriated funds from the ‘Pontyclun Primary School Parent Teacher’ bank account for her own use.
Having made these findings, the Committee also determined that Mrs Demmer–Evans’ conduct was dishonest in relation to paragraph 1 above.
The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Conditional Registration Order upon Mrs Demmer–Evans’ registration as a school learning support worker with effect from 13 December 2023.
Mrs Demmer-Evans has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.
Doina Nagy - 24 November 2023
Published: 20 December 2023
A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 24 November 2023, has found an allegation of ‘a relevant offence’ proved against school teacher, Doina NAGY.
The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that Ms Nagy:
- on 21 February 2020, was convicted of failing to provide a specimen for analysis, contrary to section 7(6) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and Schedule 2 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988. As a consequence of this offence, on 21 February 2020, was sentenced to a community order, disqualified from driving 24 months and a curfew requirement of six weeks with electronic tagging, daily from 8pm to 6.30am.
- on 28 February 2022, submitted an application form to the EWC to register as a Further Education Teacher and indicated in the declarations section that she did not have any convictions, when this was incorrect.
The Fitness to Practise Committee found Ms Nagy’s conduct at allegation 2 was dishonest and lacked integrity.
The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Reprimand on Ms Nagys’ registration as a further education teacher, further education learning support worker and school learning support worker for a period of 2 years (from 24 November 2023 until 24 November 2025). As such, Ms Nagy will be able to work as a registered person (further education teacher, further education learning support worker and school learning support worker) who provides education in or for a further education institution, and in a maintained school or non-maintained special school in Wales for the period of the Reprimand.
Ms Nagy has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.
Vivian Alan Bush - 28 November 2023
Published: 12 December 2023
A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council, sitting remotely on 21, 22, 23, 24 and 28 November 2023, has found an allegation of ‘unacceptable professional conduct’ proved against work-based learning practitioner, Vivian Alan BUSH.
The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that whilst employed as an Assessor at Connective Care Education, Mr Bush:
- On the following date(s), uploaded evidence to learner portfolio(s) on SMART Assessor when he knew or should have known, or reasonably ought to have known, that the evidence was not entirely the learner’s own work:
- In relation to Learner 1:
- On 10 July 2019, in relation to Unit 345; and
- 20 February 2019, in relation to Unit 346; and
- 20 February 2019, in relation to Unit 392; and
- On 17 September 2019, in relation to Learner 2; and
- On 25 February 2019, in relation to Learner 3; and
- On 1 November 2018, in relation to Learner 4; and
- On 25 April 2019, in relation to Learner 5; and
- On 16 May 2019, in relation to Learner 7; and
- On 2 December 2018, in relation to Learner 8.
- In relation to Learner 1:
- On the following date(s), provided feedback to one or more learner(s) when he knew or should have known, or reasonably ought to have known, that the evidence was not entirely the learner’s own work:
- In relation to Learner 1:
- On 10 July 2019, in relation to Unit 345; and
- On 27 February 2019, in relation to Unit 346; and
- On 27 February 2019, in relation to Unit 392; and
- On 17 September 2019, in relation to Learner 2.
- In relation to Learner 1:
- On 31 January 2020, emailed Essential Skills controlled tasks, Assessor Marking Guides, and the passcodes to access these, to a person who was not entitled to receive these documents.
- On 22 January 2020, during a Controlled Task, allowed Learner 5 and Learner 6 to see and/or copy Learner 18’s completed assessment pack.
- On an unknown date, during a Controlled Task, provided Learner 23 with a completed assessment pack.
- On unknown dates between November 2018 and September 2019, modified the work of one or more of the following learners and uploaded it to their SMART Assessor portfolios, without identifying the assistance you had given:
- Learner 3;
- Learner 2;
- Learner 4;
- Learner 5;
- Learner 7;
- Learner 8.
- During Controlled Tasks on unknown dates between October 2019 and January 2020, provided inappropriate assistance to learners and/or did not ensure Controlled Task conditions were adhered to, in relation to one or more of the following learners:
- Learner 14;
- Learner 15;
- Learner 16;
- Learner 17;
- Learner 5;
- Learner 6;
- Learner 19;
- Learner 20;
- Learner 21;
- Learner 22.
- On unknown dates between June 2019 and January 2020, displayed inappropriate behaviour towards Colleague A at work, in that he:
- telephoned her when it was not reasonable or necessary to do so; and
- followed her out of the room wherever she was going; and
- in October 2019, followed her to the toilet and waited outside.
- On one or more occasions, made derogatory remarks about the Company to members of staff and in front of learners, in that he said words to the effect of:
- CCE was an awful company to work for; and
- Colleague A would not last very long working for CCE; and
- Colleague A should be careful.
Having made these findings, the Committee determined that Mr Bush’s conduct at paragraphs 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 above was dishonest and his conduct at paragraphs 1 to 9 above demonstrated a lack of integrity.
The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Prohibition Order, indefinitely removing Mr Bush from the Register of Education Practitioners in the category of work-based learning practitioner. It also decided Mr Bush may not make an application for restoration to the Register of Education Practitioners before a period of 3 years has elapsed. Should Mr Bush not make a successful application for eligibility for restoration to the Register after 28 November 2026, he will remain prohibited indefinitely.
Mr Bush has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.
Siobhan Deborah Forber - 5 December 2023
Published: 11 December 2023
A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 4 and 5 December 2023, has found an allegation of unacceptable professional conduct proved against school teacher, Siobhan Deborah Forber.
The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegation proven, that whilst employed as a school teacher at Ysgol St Christopher’s School, Mrs Forber, on 23 June 2022, engaged in inappropriate physical contact with Pupil A in that she grabbed Pupil A by the wrist and smacked their hand.
The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Suspension Order (without conditions) upon Mrs Forber’s registration as a school teacher for a period of 2 years from (from 5 December 2023 until 5 December 2025). As such, Mrs Forber will not 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 Suspension Order.
Mrs Forber has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.
Adam Stanley Davies - 10 November 2023
Published: 4 December 2023
A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 November 2023, has found an allegation of ‘unacceptable professional conduct’ proved against school learning support worker, Adam Stanley DAVIES.
The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that whilst employed as a school learning support worker at Darland Highschool, Mr Davies:
- Did not follow the School’s Safeguarding Policy in that on 5 November 2021, Mr Davies received a disclosure of a child protection issue from pupils and he directed them to their Head of Year, when he should have raised the concern with the Designated Safeguarding Lead and the Headteacher.
- On or around 8 October 2021 Mr Davies captured personal information about a pupil from SIMS on his personal mobile phone.
- On various dates between September 2021 and December 2021 Mr Davies refused to carry out reasonable instructions given by his manager without good reason, in that:
- on 3 November 2021, Mr Davies had a discussion with a Year 8 pupil, when he had been told that he was only responsible for Key Stage 4 pupils; and
- on 3 November 2021, Mr Davies had a discussion with Pupil B, a Key Stage 3 pupil, when he had been told that he was only responsible for Key Stage 4 pupils and when he had been told not to conduct interventions with pupils; and
- on 4 November 2021, Mr Davies allowed Pupil C, a Key Stage 3 pupil to spend a lesson with him, when he had been told that he was only responsible for Key Stage 4 pupils; and
- Mr Davies continued to deliver interventions to one or more pupil(s) when told not to; and
- Mr Davies continued to focus on developing or implementing new systems at the school when he had been told to spend the first term establishing himself; and
- Mr Davies continued to work on one or more proposals when he had been told by his line manager that they were not feasible and appropriate.
- Mr Davies did not keep colleagues informed of pupil whereabouts, in that:
- on 12 October 2021, Mr Davies removed a pupil from class to speak to them, without the knowledge of their Head of Year and/or the class teacher and the pastoral team and recording this on SIMS; and
- on 4 November 2021, Mr Davies did not inform Colleague 1 of Pupil C’s whereabouts.
- on or around 14 October 2021 Mr Davies referred to Colleague 1, in a conversation with Colleague 2, as “an obnoxious b****”.
- Between around 3 December 2021 and 6 December 2021 Mr Davies used social media inappropriately, in that he made one or more of the following posts:
- “Bullying & Abuse at work! Misandry and disingenuous efforts to cover up a witch-hunt following a whistleblowing and raising a grievance … Pathetic, weak & exceptionally sad. Yet shocked at my resignation … beggars belief”; and
- “If a male was to grab a woman in an intimate area (and in the workplace) it would be a sackable offence of gross misconduct (rightfully so); but when a woman does it to a man: I was told it’s only office banter, cmon…. No, No, No! I have resigned that position and remained professional but the clock is ticking!” and
- “Is it right that the job description doesn’t match the job? You would expect better from schools surely? Corruption is rife and the message is: you’re not untouchable and the truth will out!”.
- On 30 June 2021, Mr Davies submitted an application to the School which was incomplete and inaccurate.
- Mr Davies conduct at paragraphs 1 to 6 above demonstrated insufficient regard for:
- the importance of following process and instructions in relation to pupil welfare; and
- reasonable instructions; and
- collaborative working to ensure pupil wellbeing.
The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Prohibition Order, indefinitely removing Mr Davies from the Register of Education Practitioners in the category of school learning support worker. It also decided Mr Davies may not make an application for restoration to the Register of Education Practitioners before a period of 2 years has elapsed. Should Mr Davies not make a successful application for eligibility for restoration to the Register after 10 November 2025, he will remain prohibited indefinitely.
Mr Davies has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.
Stephen Barrett - 9 November 2023
Published: 15 November 2023
A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council, sitting remotely on 7 to 9 November 2023, has found an allegation of ‘unacceptable professional conduct’ proven against further education teacher, Stephen Barrett.
The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegation proven, that Mr Barrett:
- Between October 2019 and February 2022, displayed intimidating and hostile behaviour towards Colleague A, in that he:
- Sent one or more text messages of a sexual nature.
The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Reprimand upon Mr Barrett’s registration as a further education teacher for a period of two years (from 9 November 2023 to 9 November 2025). As such, Mr Barrett 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 Barrett 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.
Gareth Warlow - 20 October 2023
Published: 10 November 2023
A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 17, 18 and 20 October 2023, has found an allegation of ‘unacceptable professional conduct; proved against school learning support worker, Gareth Warlow.
The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that:
- On 14 November 2022, Mr Warlow made one or more inappropriate comment(s) to Colleague 1, in that he:
- asked Colleague 1 to let him know if she knew anyone single; and
- said, “My b**** are that full they are hitting the floor” or words to that effect; and
- said that if Colleague 1 knew anyone appropriate then she should give them his name so he could be friends with benefits with them, or words to that effect; and
- said that if Colleague 1 wanted to be friends with benefits, then she should message him instead, or words to that effect; and
- said, “If you’re ever single then just message me for s**” or words to that effect;
- said “Please will you just message me if you want s**” or words to that effect.
- Mr Warlow’s conduct at Allegation 2(c) to 2(h) above occurred while one or more pupil(s) were in the room.
- Mr Warlow’s comment at Allegation 2(h) above was made after he had grabbed Colleague 1’s hand.
The Fitness to Practise Committee found that Mr Warlow’s conduct in relation to allegations 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g, and 1h was sexual and that Mr Warlow’s conduct at 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g, and 1h was sexually motivated.
The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Reprimand on Mr Warlows’ registration as a school learning support worker for a period of 2 years (from 20 October 2023 until 20 October 2025). As such, Mr Warlow 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.
Mr Warlow has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.
Lindsay Susan Davies - 25 October 2023
Published: 2 November 2023
A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 23, 24 and 25 October 2023, has found an allegation of ‘unacceptable professional conduct’ proved against school learning support worker, Lindsay Susan Davies.
The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that whilst employed as a school learning support worker at a school known to the EWC, Miss Davies:
- On unknown date(s) in or around January or February 2022, mentioned inappropriate and sexual matters to one or more pupil(s) aged 13-14 years, in that:
- On an unknown date in or around January 2022, Miss Davies told Pupil A, Pupil B, Pupil C and Pupil D that she had had sex with Colleague 1;
- On an unknown date in or around January or February 2022, Miss Davies told Pupil B that the first time she had sex with Colleague 1, it was in the staff room.
- On an unknown date in or around January or February 2022, Miss Davies showed Pupil B and Pupil D a sexually inappropriate and explicit message from Colleague 1 on her phone.
The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Prohibition Order, indefinitely removing Miss Davies from the Register of Education Practitioners in the category of school learning support worker. It also decided Miss Davies may not make an application for restoration to the Register of Education Practitioners before a period of 2 years has elapsed. Should Miss Davies not make a successful application for eligibility for restoration to the Register after 25 October 2025, she will remain prohibited indefinitely.
Miss Davies has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.
Siobhan Rowan - 19 October 2023
Published: 30 October 2023
A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 19 October 2023, has found an allegation of ‘a relevant offence’ proved against school learning support worker, Siobhan Rowan.
The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that whilst employed as a school learning support worker by Teacher Active, Miss Rowan, on 3 May 2022, was convicted at Cardiff Crown Court of the following offences, as a consequence of which she was sentenced on 27 May 2022 to a total of 24 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months (sentences to run concurrently), a rehabilitation activity requirement of 8 days and to carry out 180 hours unpaid work before 26 May 2023:
- Possessing a controlled drug of Class B with intent, contrary to s5(3) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971;
- Being concerned in the supply of a Class B drug to another, contrary to s.4(3)(b) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971;
- Offering to supply a Class A drug to another, contrary to s.4(3)(a) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971; and
- Offering to supply a Class B drug to another, contrary to s.4(3)(a) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Prohibition Order, indefinitely removing Miss Rowan from the Register of Education Practitioners in the category of school learning support worker. It also decided Miss Rowan may not make an application for restoration to the Register of Education Practitioners before a period of 2 years has elapsed. Should Miss Rowan not make a successful application for eligibility for restoration to the Register after 19 October 2025, she will remain prohibited indefinitely.
Miss Rowan has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.