Ban for teacher who told pupils about drunken night
Ban for Teacher Who Shared Personal Details with Pupils
Natasha Blackmore, 36, a design technology head teacher at Westfield Academy in Yeovil, Somerset, has been indefinitely barred from teaching after sharing private information with her students. The Teaching Regulation Agency’s Professional Conduct Panel reviewed her case, citing actions that violated professional standards.
Blackmore disclosed personal details about her relationships and social habits, including nights out involving alcohol and vaping, during interactions with pupils. She also shared messages where she described someone in a negative light, according to the panel’s findings. The investigation revealed that up to five students would visit her during school breaks and lunchtimes, with one pupil claiming she viewed them as friends rather than students.
“She had invited the group to meet her dog during school holidays and mentioned her hen night, saying she got really drunk and was vaping and smoking,” said Pupil A. “At first, I thought it was okay, but it turned into a kind of weird relationship where we told each other everything.”
The report noted that Blackmore exchanged messages with students on social media and arranged a meeting at Yeovil Recreational Centre. This interaction breached the staff code of conduct. Despite the concerns, one parent expressed confidence in Blackmore’s teaching, stating she had been “a really good teacher” and never felt anything untoward was happening.
Blackmore admitted to joining a pupil’s Instagram group chat and organizing a meeting with them after her dog’s death. She emphasized that the students’ support helped her cope with the emotional impact of the loss. However, the panel concluded her actions constituted serious misconduct, falling short of the expected standards for educators.
The panel ruled that Blackmore’s conduct was unacceptable, leading to an indefinite ban. She may request a review after two years. Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X, and submit story ideas via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630.