Exclusive: Banned teacher taught at second school

Thatcham teacher struck off by General Teaching Council for conduct at Kennet School had also taught at Spurcroft

IT has emerged that a teacher, who was struck off last week for “totally unnacceptable” behaviour towards pupils at a Thatcham school ten years ago, went on to work at a second Thatcham school after the initial allegations of misconduct were made about him.

On Tuesday, October 25, the General Teaching Council banned Peter Watt (pictured in 2006), a former drama teacher at the 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 the Kennet, in Stoney Lane, between 1995 and 2001.

This week, it has emerged that despite Kennet School headteacher Paul Dick informing West Berkshire Council of the allegations made about Mr Watt's behaviour in 2001, the drama teacher later went on to work at another West Berkshire school, Spurcroft Primary, in Spurcroft Road, where he taught for four months, from September 2008.

This week West Berkshire Council spokesman Keith Ulyatt moved to explain why action was only taken against Mr Watt ten years after the allegations were made.

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

Mr Ulyatt said that it was only “allegations of a further nature” in 2009 that led to further investigation.

He added: “Following allegations and investigations completed when Peter Watt was at Spurcroft Primary School, the council alerted the Independent Safeguarding Authority, and they in turn have contacted the General Teaching Council, which is the correct procedure.

“The council worked closely with the police throughout their investigation, Mr Watt having been suspended by Spurcroft School while this took place.”

He added: “Spurcroft School contravened no rules in employing Mr Watt and the school informed the council that they were employing him.

“It was the allegations subsequent to him going to Spurcroft School which prompted the council to drive an investigation.”

The current headteacher at Spurcroft Primary School, Nathan Butler-Broad, who was not teaching there at the time of Mr Watt's employment, said: “As soon as the school was made aware of the concerns, swift and appropriate action was taken in liaison with the local authority.

“The allegations are linked to when he first started his career in teaching some time ago. Spurcroft Primary School has always maintained a high level of health and safety for its pupils, as recognised by Ofsted's recent ‘outstanding' judgement for Safeguarding in January 2011.

Earlier this week, all activity between Mr Watt's theatre company, the Shining Lights Youth Theatre Company, and New Greenham Arts, was suspended.

Newbury Corn Exchange director, Katy Griffiths, said that until the Newbury Weekly News' story last week, the Corn Exchange was unaware that Mr Watt was under investigation and that as soon as it was made aware, the suspension came into force.

She said: “We understand that he has 28 days to appeal (if he does) and if there is a different finding then we will revisit the decision.

“From our point of view, we have a duty of care to anyone who is associated with the Corn Exchange. We need to remain trusted within the community.”

Greenham Common Trust has also stopped funding after learning of the ruling.

Spokesman, Julian May, said: "Following the recent ruling by the General Teaching Council to ban Mr Watt from teaching, the Trust has made the decision not to support Shining Lights Youth Theatre whilst he remains involved in any way with the organisation.”