Prohibition Order Active: The Teaching Regulation Agency has issued a prohibition order for this teacher. This person is prohibited from carrying out teaching work in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children’s home in England.
Teacher Record Details
Teacher Reference Number
0756031
Teacher's date of birth:
12 September 1985
Location teacher worked:
Oldham, North West
Date of professional conduct panel:
28 November 2012
Outcome type:
Prohibition order
Prohibition order effective:
6 December 2012
Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with The Teacher's’ Disciplinary (England) Regulations 2012, a professional conduct panel was convened to consider the case of Ms Catherine Louise Reynolds, formerly employed in Oldham, North West.
Date of Birth
12 September 1985
Location teacher worked:
Oldham, North West
Date of professional conduct panel:
28 November 2012
Outcome type:
Prohibition order
Prohibition order effective:
6 December 2012
Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with The Teacher's’ Disciplinary (England) Regulations 2012, a professional conduct panel was convened to consider the case of Ms Catherine Louise Reynolds, formerly employed in Oldham, North West.
Location Employed
Oldham, North West
Date of professional conduct panel:
28 November 2012
Outcome type:
Prohibition order
Prohibition order effective:
6 December 2012
Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with The Teacher's’ Disciplinary (England) Regulations 2012, a professional conduct panel was convened to consider the case of Ms Catherine Louise Reynolds, formerly employed in Oldham, North West.
Professional Panel Date
28 November 2012
Outcome type:
Prohibition order
Prohibition order effective:
6 December 2012
Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with The Teacher's’ Disciplinary (England) Regulations 2012, a professional conduct panel was convened to consider the case of Ms Catherine Louise Reynolds, formerly employed in Oldham, North West.
Agency Outcome Decision
Prohibition order
Prohibition order effective:
6 December 2012
Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with The Teacher's’ Disciplinary (England) Regulations 2012, a professional conduct panel was convened to consider the case of Ms Catherine Louise Reynolds, formerly employed in Oldham, North West.
Decision Published Date
28 November 2012
Panel Decision & Reasons Summary
The Secretary of State does not make these decisions himself. They are made by a senior official on the recommendation of an independent panel.
Teacher reference number:
0756031
Teacher's date of birth:
12 September 1985
Location teacher worked:
Oldham, North West
Date of professional conduct panel:
28 November 2012
Outcome type:
Prohibition order
Prohibition order effective:
6 December 2012
Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with The Teacher's’ Disciplinary (England) Regulations 2012, a professional conduct panel was convened to consider the case of Ms Catherine Louise Reynolds, formerly employed in Oldham, North West.
The proceedings were held at 53-55 Butts Road, Earlsdon Park, Coventry, CV1 3BH at 9.30am on 28 to 30 November 2012.
Teacher misconduct
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Email TRA.Casework@education.gov.uk
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Information about regulating the teaching profession and the process for dealing with serious teacher misconduct.
Full PDF Document Transcript Search
THE TEACHING AGENCY
DECISION OF A PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT PANEL
Teacher: Ms Catherine Louise Reynolds
Teacher Ref: 0756031
TA Case Ref: 8577
Date of Determination: 29th November 2012
Former Employer: Saddleworth School
A. INTRODUCTION
A Professional Conduct Panel (“the Panel”) of the Teaching Agency convened
on Wednesday, 28th and Thursday, 29th November 2012 at 53-55 Butts Road,
Earlsdon Park, Coventry CV1 3BH to consider the case of Ms Catherine
Louise Reynolds.
The Panel Members were: Mr David Longson (Teacher Panelist - in the
Chair); Cllr Gail Goodman (Teacher Panelist) and Dr Lel Meleyal (Lay
Panelist).
The Legal Adviser to the Panel was Mr Robin Havard of Morgan Cole LLP,
Solicitors.
The Presenting Officer for the Teaching Agency was Ms Lucy Alicea of
Kingsley Napley LLP, Solicitors.
Ms Reynolds was neither present nor represented.
The hearing took place in public and was recorded.
B. ALLEGATIONS
The Panel considered t he allegations set out in t he Notice of Proceedings
dated 13th March 2012.
It was alleged that Ms Catherine Louise Reynolds was guilty of unacceptable
professional conduct, in that she:
1. Used inappropriate language towards pupils;
2. Made inappropriate comments and remarks to pupils:
(a) of a personal nature;
(b) of a sexual nature; (c) regarding members of staff and other pupils;
3. Behaved inappropriately in the classroom during lessons by:
(a) allowing pupils to use inappropriate language;
(b) allowing pupils to use mobile phones and iPods;
(c) showing pupils her tattoos;
(d) showing irrelevant/inappropriate videos to pupils;
(e) using the internet for her personal use;
4. Encouraged pupils to contact her via a social networking website,
despite previous management instruction not to; and
5. Made inappropriate comments on a social networking website following
a parents evening.
Whilst certain partial admissions had been made by Ms Reynolds in her
written submissions, in the response to the Notice of Proceedings, Ms
Reynolds had admitted neither the facts nor the allegation of unacceptable
professional conduct and therefore the Panel approached the case on the
basis that all matters were denied.
C. SUMMARY OF EVIDENCE
Documents
In advance of the hearing, the Panel received a bundle of documents which
included:
Section 1: Anonymised Pupil List (pages 1 to 2);
Section 2: Notice of Proceedings and Response (pages 3 to 7);
Section 3: Teaching Agency Statements (pages 8 to 40);
Section 4: Teaching Agency documents (pages 41 to 463);
Section 5: Teacher documents (pages 464 to 481).
The Panel Members c onfirmed that they had read all of the documents in
advance of the hearing.
No further documents were produced in evidence by either party save for a
table produced by the Presenting Officer entitled “Table Showing Pupil
Evidence for Particulars of Allegation”.
Brief Summary of Evidence
Please note that this is intended to be a summary and does not re flect the
complete evidence given.
Witness A
The Presenting O fficer’s first witness was Witness A , the Head Teacher of
Saddleworth School throughout the material time. Witness A confirmed that
the content of her Witness Statement (pages 8 to 28) was true to the best of
her knowledge and belief. The Witness St atement was taken as re ad.
Witness A , in oral evidence, stated that:
Every year, the policy documents and guidance were issu ed to the
teachers and they would sign for them. The Head of Child Protection at
the school, Individual A , and Witness A would outline why the
policies were important and the teachers were given a deadline by
which to read the documents and sign to confirm that they had done so.
With regard to the entries placed by Ms Reynolds on Facebook
following the parents evening on 23rd September 2010, Ms Reynolds
apologised but no reason was given for her conduct. The number of
friends on Facebook could have been as many as 200.
If pupils approached Ms Reynolds regarding personal matters, she
should have referred the pupils to a member of Senior Management or
one of the pastoral staff.
Witness A outlined her knowledge of the pupils to whom she spoke,
namely Pupils A to I, and the basis on which she concluded that their
accounts were credible.
With regard to the playing of videos to the class, Witness A said that,
every year, the Heads of Department were reminded that, in the run up
to the Christmas period, it was still necessary to continue to teach and
that this reminder should be disseminated to staff. Whilst there was no
prohibition on the showing of videos, when Ms Reynolds was
suspended, Witness A kept Ms Reynolds’s computer and planner. A
schedule of the films shown to the class and the dates on which they
were shown was prepared. One of the films, namely “E urotrip” was
watched by Witness A some 4 days before Ms Reynolds’s disciplinary
hearing and Witness A considered the film had everything in it with
which teenagers should not be associated.
Witness A confirmed that she had seen the Facebook screenshot on
which the comments were made following the parents meeting on 23rd
September 2010.
RE was a three person department. When the Head of Department left,
Ms Reynolds and the other colleague were asked to act up and there
was a delay in the school’s ability to advertise pending the outcome of
the period of an appeal by the Head of Department. Witness A told
both Ms Reynolds and her colleague that the Senior Management sympathised with their position and provided as much support as
possible.
A complaint was received from a parent in November 2010 concerning
various rumours circulating the school in relation to Ms Reynolds and
Witness A investigating t hose rumours only seemed to make matters
worse. However, despite Ms Reynolds indicating that she f elt very
concerned and anxious about the rumours, she took no time off nor did
she ever produce any medical evidence to support indications she gave
of suffering from stress. Witness A considers that she supported Ms
Reynolds who was also working with a colleague in the RE Department
who was an excellent teacher and fine person. Witness A also
considered that Ms Reynolds understood the importance of the policies
and the guidance.
Despite the warning provided to Ms Reynolds by letter of 1st February
2011, things seemed to be worsening. Ms Reynolds was a teacher
who, in September 2010, had written comments on Facebook for which
there was no excuse and then went on between January and March
2011 to behave in a way which gave rise to further concern.
Witness A believed that Ms Reynolds was “going downhill fast”.
In March 2011, everything met with denial except where there was
undeniable documentary proof.
There was no intention of any witch hunt but it was clear that
Witness A had to investigate the various c omplaints being made by
pupils. Whilst pupils may have been angry or considered themselves to
be in trouble, that was not to say that what they were saying was untrue
and Witness A did not believe there had been any collusion
between pupils.
Having read the responses of Ms Reynolds, Witness A stated that she
was always meticulous in f ollowing up meetings and noting what was
said. Following her initial consultations with pupils, she then consulted
with Individual B and, on Individual B taking up the investigation,
Witness A then took a step back to ensure that it was an entirely
objective process.
Witness B
The Presenting O fficer’s second witness was Witness B who had been a
teacher at the school since 1996 and who became Assistant Head Teacher in
September 2005. Witness B confirmed that her Witness Statement (pages 37
to 40) was true to the best of her knowledge and belief. Her Witness Statement
was taken as read. In oral evidence, she stated that:
Witness B knew Pupils A to I very well. She had taught a number of
them as well as knowing them throughout the time that she had been Assistant Head Teacher and described them as good, loyal and honest
and were individuals of integrity.
Witness B did not have any involvement in the investigation prior to
Witness A asking her to provide support for the pupils during t heir
interviews nor was Witness B involved in the initial selection of pupils to
be interviewed.
In her experience, there was no evidence of any of the pupils holding a
grudge for Ms Reynolds. There was no evidence of any attempt on the
part of Witness A to carry out a “character assassination” of Ms
Reynolds. Witness B found Witness A to be a hard working,
professional and honest Head Teacher.
D. DECISION AND REASONS
The Panel announced its decision and reasons as follows:
We have now carefully considered the case before us and have reached a
decision.
We c onfirm that we have read all the documents provided in the bundle in
advance of the hearing.
Brief Summary of the Case
In September 2008, Ms Reynolds commenced employment as a teacher of
Religious Education at S addleworth School, High Street, Uppermill, Oldham,
OL3 6BU. This was Ms Reynolds first teaching post having joined as a newly
qualified teacher.
According to the evidence of Witness A who was Head Teacher at t he
School throughout the material time, between 2008 and September 2010, Ms
Reynolds showed herself to be a good t eacher. However, following an
incident in S eptember 2010 relating to Ms Reynolds putting wholly
inappropriate and offensive material on Facebook, further c omplaints were
made against her in January and March 2011 relating to her conduct towards
pupils at the school and her general behaviour.
Following a detailed in vestigation which commenced in March 2011, Ms
Reynolds was suspended by t he Head Teacher on 18th March 2011 and
subsequently resigned from her post on 25th July 2011.
This case relates to allegations surrounding Ms Reynold’s failure to maintain
appropriate professional boundaries with pupils and behaviour on the part of a
teacher which was wholly inappropriate and contrary to the best interests of
the pupils of which she had charge. Findings of Fact
Our findings of fact are as follows:
We have found the following particulars of the allegation(s) against Ms
Reynolds proven, for these reasons:
1. Used inappropriate language towards pupils
The Panel heard evidence from two witnesses: the Head Teacher at the
school at the material time, Witness A , now retired, and Witness B ,
who has taught at the school since 1996 and who has been Assistant
Head Teacher since 2005. The Panel found both witnesses to be
credible, reliable and measured.
The Panel finds that Ms Reynolds was fully aware of the provisions
contained within the document entitled Guidance for Safer Working
Practice for Adults who work with Children and Young Children. The
sections of the Guidance relevant not only to this particular but a
number of the other particulars are set out at paragraph 8 of the
statement of Ms Cornish. The complete document is contained at
exhibit 58.
Ms Reynolds did not dispute that she had used inappropriate language
towards pupils. Ms Reynolds met with Witness A and Individual C on
26th January 2011 as a result of complaints having been made by
parents of c hildren from two year groups in relation to t he language
being used by Ms Reynolds.
In a letter dated 1st February 2011, Witness A wrote to Ms Reynolds
summarising what was said at the meeting. It was confirmed by Ms
Reynolds that, whilst in the class, she was likely to have made the
following remarks:
“If you don’t want to learn RE you can piss off”
“Stop bloody talking”
“Sit on your arse” (to the class)
The letter was sent to Ms Reynolds who, by email of 2nd February 2011,
acknowledged safe receipt. At no stage was the content of the letter
challenged.
The Panel finds that Ms Reynolds made the said remarks and that such
remarks towards pupils were inappropriate.
In addition, whilst denied by Ms Reynolds, the Panel finds that she used
inappropriate language towards pupils on a regular basis. On 8th March 2011, Pupil A had approached a senior learning mentor at
the school, Individual D , expressing her concern at the behaviour of
Individual D and the sort of remarks being made and language used
by her to the pupils.
Ms Leach reported the matter to Witness A who then arranged to
speak to Pupil A. As a consequence of what was said to her by Pupil
A, Witness A decided it would be appropriate to speak immediately to
Pupils B and D from Year 10 and Pupil C from Year 11. This was to
ensure that there was no risk of collusion.
On 9th March 2011, Pupils E and F came to see Witness A about what
had been said to Pupil E by Ms Reynolds.
Following Ms Reynold’s suspension on 18th March 2011, Individual B,
a Senior Human Resources Advisor for schools within Oldham, r e-
interviewed on 21st March 2011 all t hose pupils who had been
interviewed by Witness A save for Pupil B. Those interviews took
place in the presence of Witness B who attended as support for
those pupils.
The evidence provided by the pupils is consistent both as between
each other and in respect of the accounts they gave to Witness A and
subsequently to Individual B . On the balance of probabilities, whilst
appreciating that it is hearsay evidence, the Panel nevertheless accepts
their evidence.
In reaching this conclusion, the Panel accepted the evidence of Witness
A and, more particularly, Witness B as to the reliability and credibility of
the pupils who were interviewed. Witness B indicated that, not only did
she know all the pupils involved, but she had personally taught a
number of them in the past. Witness B considered the pupils to be
loyal and honest and that they were individuals of integrity. Witness A
indicated that she considered Pupil A to be a “rough diamond” but
“straight”. In respect of Pupils E and F, Witness A had consulted with
the teacher responsible for their pastoral care who had said that there
was no reason to disbelieve what the pupils had said.
By contrast, although denying much of what had been alleged, whilst it
was her absolute right, Ms Reynolds had not attended to give evidence
and the Panel had concerns as to her credibility as exemplified in
respect of the findings in relation to Particulars 3(d) and (e) below.
Consequently, the Panel finds that on regular occasions, whilst in class,
Ms Reynolds would use such language as: “shit”, “fuck you”, “slag”, and
“bastard”.
On one specific occasion, Pupil E had gone to see her and he was told
by Ms Reynolds to “fuck off” and that she did not want to see him.
For these reasons, the Panel found this particular proven.
2. Made inappropriate comments and remarks to pupils:
(a) of a personal nature;
It was accepted by Ms Reynolds that she had informed the class
of circumstances in which she had taken a morning after pill and
an occasion when she told the pupils in t he class about a
relationship she had formed with an older man. The Panel finds
that Ms Reynolds also made reference to her social life and
occasions when she has been drinking alcohol to excess.
(b) of a sexual nature;
The Panel accepts the evidence of pupils C to I and finds that Ms
Reynolds made numerous references to sex from a personal
perspective. One pupil states that Ms Reynolds stated how “sex
is good and says not to get married because then you can’t
sleep around” and “you should have sex all the time”.
Ms Reynolds accepts, and the Panel finds, that, whilst she
immediately r egretted doing so, she had informed the pupils in
class that she travelled to Amsterdam and that there was a sex
show involving a horse and a woman. Whilst denied, the Panel
also finds that Ms Reynolds told the pupils that she had been for
a naked massage.
(c) regarding members of staff and other pupils;
Ms Reynolds described another teacher to Pupils D, E, and F as
a “bitch” and that nobody liked her.
When speaking to Pupil C, Ms Reynolds stated that Witness A
may be leaving and then said “I may stay now that bitch is going”
Ms Reynolds spoke to Year 10 pupils such as Pupil D about a
boy In the same year who she said dressed up as a girl or
otherwise described him as a cross-dresser.
3. Behaved inappropriately in the classroom, during lessons, by:
(b) allowing pupils to use mobile phones and iPods;
It is accepted by Ms Reynolds, and the Panel finds, that she
allowed pupils to wear ipods whilst working in class. Pupils such
as Pupils E and F also confirm that Ms Reynolds allowed pupils
to use mobiles in class. The Panel finds such behaviour to be inappropriate and contrary to school policy of which Ms Reynolds
was aware.
(c) showing pupils your tattoos;
Ms Reynolds states that were any of the pupils to have seen any
of her tattoos, this would have been accidental or not deliberate.
However, the Panel prefers the evidence of Pupils A, C and E to
H and finds that Ms Reynolds moved her clothes so that pupils
could observe the tattoos on her lower back and her thigh and, in
doing so, acted inappropriately.
(d) showing irrelevant/inappropriate videos to pupils;
The Panel accepts the evidence of Pupils E to H and finds that
Ms Reynolds showed the pupils videos which were either
irrelevant or inappropriate or both.
Ms Reynolds indicated that she would show videos or films to
the class but only at Christmas times or on “snow days”.
However, Witness A produced an extract from Ms Re ynold’s
planner which lists a number of films shown to the pupils and the
dates on which they were shown.
One example of a film which was both irrelevant and
inappropriate was one entitled “Eurotrip” which is dated in the
planner on 5th October 2010 i.e. neither in the Christmas period
or a snow day. Furthermore, in the course of the investigation,
Witness A watched the film and found its content to be both
irrelevant and wholly inappropriate to be shown to pupils in
school time. Pupils E and F indicated that it seemed to them as if
Ms Reynolds would sometimes show a film when “…. she can’t
be bothered teaching”
(e) using the internet for your personal use;
The Panel finds that Ms Reynolds was well aware of the
Acceptable Use Policy of the School and had signed the
Acceptable Use Agreement. One stipulation of the Agreement is
that Ms Reynolds agrees that she will only use the school’s
internet for professional purposes or for uses deemed
reasonable by the Head or Governing Body.
When initially interviewed about this allegation, and before being
furnished with documentary evidence, Ms Reynolds denied that
she had made inappropriate use of the school’s internet.
However, Ms Reynolds was then served with pages of internet
use documents and the entries in red indicate the access made to sites which are unrelated to her teaching duties but at a time
when she would have been taking a class.
Furthermore, Pupils F and H confirm that whilst they were
watching films, Ms Reynolds “….is on the laptop”.
4. Encouraged pupils to contact you via a social networking website,
despite previous management instruction not to
By a letter dated 14th October 2010, Witness A wrote to Ms Reynolds
by way of follow-up to a meeting at which they and Mr Hall attended
and at which the circumstances giving rise to Particular 5 were
discussed. Ms Reynolds had confirmed that she understood the many
warnings that had been provided and instructions given to staff about
the absolute requirement for professionalism in using social networking
sites and the risks posed by their misuse. Ms Reynolds confirmed that
she understood and adhered to these ins tructions and that s he would
not network with pupils either current or past.
Reference is then made to the comments made on Ms Reynold’s
Facebook page which is the subject of Particular 5.
At the end of the letter, Witness A refers to various memoranda, policies
and guidance regarding the professional expectations of a teacher.
However, when Pupils E, F and I were interviewed in March 2011, they
indicated, and the Panel finds, that Ms Reynolds was in contact with
them via Facebook. Indeed, in the case of Pupil E, Ms Reynolds had
told him to “…. type her husband’s name in Facebook “J…. P….” it says
on his profile who he is married to then we can click on Catherine
Reynolds and we can “inbox” her a message”. When asked why this
process was suggested, the pupil was told that Ms Reynolds did not
want the staff to see it.
Consequently, the Panel finds this Particular proved.
5. Made inappropriate comments on a social networking website following
a parents evening
A parents’ evening was held at the school on Thursday 23rd September
2010 in respect of Key Stage 4 pupils.
Later that day, Ms Reynolds placed the following remarks on her
Facebook page:
“That was the most fucking horrendous evening of my life”
“Fucking retarded parents that’s what” “That’s because only eejits pick RE”
Witness A confirmed when giving evidence that she had seen and
read the remarks set out above.
Witness A and Individual E met with Ms Reynolds on 6th October
2010 when she admitted that she had placed the remarks on her
Facebook page. Furthermore, Ms Reynolds confirmed that not only
would other members of staff been able to read the remarks but also an
indeterminate number of other people to include members of the public
and friends outside school.
The Panel finds that to place such comments on a social networking
website was wholly inappropriate, offensive and extremely serious.
We have found the following particular of the allegation against Ms Reynolds
not proven, for these reasons:
3. Behaved inappropriately in the classroom, during lessons, by:
(a) allowing pupils to use inappropriate language;
Whilst a number of the pupils confirm that Ms Reynolds did allow them to use
inappropriate language, there is a lack of particularity in relation to this
allegation and the Panel is not satisfied that it has been proved.
Findings as to Un acceptable Professional Conduct/Conduct that may
bring the profession into disrepute
Having found the facts of all particulars of the allegation proved other than
Particular 3(a), the Panel further find that Ms Reynolds’s actions amount to
unacceptable professional conduct and conduct that may bring the profession
into disrepute.
By re ference to Principle 1 of the GTC’s Code of Conduct and Practice for
Registered Teachers, Ms Reynolds failed to follow the school’s child protection
policies and procedures and f ailed to establish and maintain appropriate
professional boundaries in her relationships with children and young people.
Ms Reynolds also failed to adhere to Principle 6 in that she failed to uphold
school policies and procedures and Principle 8 by failing to maintain
reasonable standards in her own behaviour so as to maintain an effective
learning environment and doing everything to ensure that the trust of the
public in the profession is maintained.
Ms Reynolds also acted in breach of the Teachers’ Standards in particular
Part One in that she failed to demonstrate consistently the positive attitudes,
values and behaviour which are expected of pupils, and Part Seven relating to
the expectation of good and courteous behaviour in the classroom.
The Panel also finds Ms Reynolds to be in breach of Part Two in that she
failed to uphold public trust in the profession by failing to treat pupils with
dignity, failing to build relationships rooted in mutual respect and failing to
observe proper boundaries appropriate to a teacher’s professional position.
The inappropriate behaviour of Ms Reynolds was wide-ranging and continued
despite a number of warnings having been provided by Witness A . The
Panel reject Ms Reynolds contention that Witness A’s approach was
designed to attempt to bring about Ms Reynolds’ “character assassination”.
There is no evidence at all to support such an allegation. Indeed, having
heard her evidence, the Panel is satisfied that Witness A afforded Ms Reynolds
considerable latitude, being s ympathetic to the pressures under which Ms
Reynolds and her colleague were having to operate following the departure of
the Head of the RE Department.
Whilst the Panel has taken very careful attention of the written submissions of
Ms Reynolds, to include her partial admissions of certain of the particulars, the
Panel considers that Ms Reynolds has shown a considerable lack of insight
into her behaviour and the serious nature of her behaviour.
The Panel had not been provided with any relevant testimonials although
Witness A indicated that Ms Reynolds had shown herself to be a good teacher
prior to the issues of concern which commenced in or about September 2010.
However, it s hould be borne in mind that Ms R eynolds only qualified as a
Teacher in September 2008.
The Panel has concluded that the findings of unacceptable professional
conduct are serious and that the behaviour overall is bound to have damaged
the trust the public have in the profession and the reputation of the profession
itself.
Panel’s recommendations to the Secretary of State
The Panel has considered carefully the guidance contained in the document
entitled “Teacher misconduct - the prohibition of Teachers”
Taking account of its findings, both in terms of the facts and of unacceptable
professional conduct, t he Panel considers that it is proportionate and in the
public interest that a Prohibition Order is made and therefore makes this
recommendation to the Secretary of State.
When t he wide-ranging nature of Ms Reynolds’s behaviour is taken into
account, the regular use of inappropriate and offensive language in front of
pupils, the inappropriate and offensive entries made on Facebook rela ting to
not only pupils but their parents, and the topics of a highly personal nature
discussed in front of pupils, the Panel considers that a Prohibition Order is
necessary: for the protection of children and other members of the public, to
maintain the confidence of the public in the profession, and to uphold proper
standards of conduct.
Indeed, a number of the pupils themselves had expressed concern that the
behaviour of Ms Reynolds was affecting their progress. Pupil A states “I don’t
feel I am taught anything”. Pupil C states “In Year 9 I was getting level 5’s and
6’s but now she talks about stories in lessons and I can’t focus”.
It is also worth noting that Ms Reynolds had been shown considerable support
by the school and in particular Witness A . Furthermore, the inappropriate
conduct continued despite having rec eived warnings and extensive guidance
from the School. Indeed, the School took a highly supportive approach to Ms
Reynolds after the serious incident of misconduct in September 2010 when
she put material on Facebook which was highly offensive and derogatory of
pupils and their parents.
Despite such support, Ms Reynolds attitude has been to level criticism at
Witness A and placing res ponsibility for much of what transpired with
Witness A . However, the Panel found neither evidence nor motive to
support such a suggestion.
The Panel had not had the benefit of hearing from Ms Reynolds nor had it
received any material in mitigation other than for some expressions of regret
contained in her written submissions regarding certain of the events giving rise
to the proceedings. No relevant testimonials had been provided.
Ms Reynolds singularly failed to act as a role model to her pupils. Her
behaviour represents a serious departure from the personal and professional
conduct elements of the Teaching Standards and was misconduct which
would seriously affect the education and/or wellbeing of pupils and there is no
evidence to suggest that this risk is not ongoing. It also illustrates evidence of
a deep-seated attitude that can lead to harmful behaviour.
On the basis of the particulars we have found to be established we
recommend that Ms Reynolds should be allowed to apply for the Prohibition
Order to be set aside after a period of five years has elapsed. Such an order
would allow Ms Reynolds, if she wishes to do so, to advance reasons as to
why she should be considered suitable at that time to teach again. It accords
with our duty to c onsider the proportionality of the rec ommended Pro hibition
Order.
Secretary of State’s Decision and Reasons
I have given very careful consideration to this case and to the recommendation
of the panel both in respect of the sanction and a review period.
Ms Reynolds’ behaviour has been found to be unacceptable. Indeed the
Panel has pointed to the wide-ranging and regular misconduct displayed. This
behaviour has directly impacted upon pupils, on colleagues and even parents.
Learning of pupils has also been impacted upon.
Despite support and advice Ms Reynolds appears to have continued to behave
in a manner which falls seriously short of that expected from a teacher. The
Panel have been able to identify limited understanding, insight or remorse.
I support the view that Ms Reynolds should be prohibited from teaching.
I turn now to the review period. Ms Reynolds was a newly qualified teacher and
there were some challenges in the department. I support the view that a five
year review period will provide Ms Reynolds, if she wishes, with opportunity to
consider whether she wishes to teach again, and if so apply to a panel to
evidence that suitability.
This means that Ms Catherine Reynolds is prohibited from teaching indefinitely and
cannot teach in any sc hool, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or
children’s home in England. She may apply for the Prohibition Order to be set aside,
but not un til 6 December 2017. If she does apply, a panel will meet to consider
whether the Prohibition Order should be set aside. Without a successful application,
Ms Catherine Reynolds remains barred from teaching indefinitely.
This Order takes effect from the date on which it is served on the Teacher.
Ms Catherine Reynolds has a right of appeal to the Queen’s Bench Division of the
High Court within 28 days from the date she is given notice of this Order.
NAME OF DECISION MAKER: Alan Meyrick
Date : 30 November 2012
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