Ban for teacher who told pupils about drunken night
Ban for Teacher Who Shared Personal Life with Students
Professional Conduct Panel Finds Misconduct in Social Interactions
Natasha Blackmore, 36, the head of design technology at Westfield Academy secondary school in Yeovil, Somerset, has faced an indefinite ban after revealing details of her private life to pupils. A Professional Conduct Panel of the Teaching Regulation Agency reviewed her case, citing her disclosure of personal relationships and drunken evenings as grounds for disciplinary action.
During the hearing, it was revealed that Blackmore shared messages containing derogatory remarks about another individual and described her own social activities, including smoking, drinking, and vaping during a hen night. She admitted to professional misconduct on 24 March, acknowledging her failure to uphold boundaries between herself and students.
“The conduct of Ms Blackmore amounted to misconduct of a serious nature which fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession,” stated the report.
The panel noted that up to five students would visit her during school breaks and lunchtimes, with one pupil indicating that Blackmore regarded them as friends rather than students. Conversations reportedly covered topics such as daily experiences, behavior, home life, and personal relationships, according to the report.
During an investigation, one student, referred to as Pupil A, explained that Blackmore had invited a group to meet her dog during school holidays. She also shared stories of a night out where she became heavily intoxicated and engaged in smoking and vaping. Initially, Pupil A believed the interactions were harmless, but they later developed into “some kind of weird relationship” where students shared everything with her.
Another student mentioned that four pupils would regularly sit with Blackmore in her room during breaks, discussing their lives in detail. Blackmore defended her actions, stating that the students’ support was crucial after her dog’s death. “If it hadn’t been for those students and the support they showed me after I lost [REDACTED], I don’t think I would have come back to work properly,” she said.
Blackmore admitted to joining a pupil’s Instagram group chat and arranging a meeting with them during school holidays. The panel concluded that these actions breached the staff code of conduct. A parent, however, expressed no concern, calling Blackmore “a really good teacher” and noting that she had never worried about anything underhanded.
Following the decision, Blackmore is suspended indefinitely but may apply for a review after two years. The case highlights the importance of maintaining professional boundaries in educational settings.
Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Share your story ideas via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630.
