DfE silent on reason for delay in banning teacher

Government department fails to explain why recently struck off Thatcham teacher was allowed to keep teaching for so long

THE Department for Education has refused to comment on why a teacher, who was struck off two weeks ago for “totally unacceptable” behaviour towards pupils at a Thatcham school, was allowed to carry on teaching for nine years, before action was taken.

On Tuesday, October 25, the General Teaching Council banned Peter Watt, a former drama teacher at Kennet School from teaching children after its professional conduct committee found evidence that he had brought pornographic images into school on a laptop, given some pupils alcohol at his home after shows, hugged and kissed them and engaged them in intimate talks.

The incidents dated back to his time teaching at Kennet School, Stoney Lane, between 1995 and 2001.

Once Mr Watt left the school, the headteacher, Paul Dick informed the local education authority, West Berkshire Council, that he had received an anonymous letter with the accusations.

The district council informed the Department for Education of the allegations made in 2001, but was told that after an investigation, Mr Watt was found to be fit to teach.

Charles Heymann, from the department said: "The department cannot comment on individual cases, or disclose personal information which it may or may not hold about individuals.”

However, he said that all cases were considered by departmental officials and, in some cases, specialist assessment, before making a recommendation to the Secretary of State.

He added that a teacher would need to be criminally convicted of an offence to be automatically included on List 99 - a list of individuals who should not be employed in schools.

As the Newbury Weekly News reported last week, Mr Watt went on to teach at Spurcroft Primary School in Spurcroft Road, Thatcham for four months from September 2008.

Council spokesman, Keith Ulyatt said that it had been “allegations of a further nature” in 2009 that led to another investigation.

He was unable to further explain what these allegations were and who they came from.

A mother of a pupil who was taught by Mr Watt, who asked not to be named, said she had reservations about his ability to teach and had raised concerns.

The parent, who still lives in Thatcham, complained to the school, that pupils who did not get changed for PE quietly enough would be made to dress and undress again and again - sometimes up to seven time in a row.

She said that she rang West Berkshire Council with her concerns but was told she would need to go though the school's compalints procedure.

When she complained to the school she was told he only did it to punish the children.

However, she added: "I really felt it was not right; she (my daughter) was really distressed.

“I would like to see that things are put into place (so it doesn't happen again)."

Once Spurcroft School learned of the further accusations in 2009, Mr Watt was suspended and never returned to teach at the school.