Ban for teacher who sent 'flirty' emails to pupil

Belper School said safeguarding pupils was its priority

A teacher has been banned from the profession indefinitely after sending "inappropriate" and "manipulative" emails to a female pupil.

A Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) misconduct hearing found Elliot Smith, who taught at Belper School in Derbyshire, had on one occasion in 2022 told the student he had "allowed myself to fall perhaps a little bit in love with you".

The panel concluded Mr Smith was guilty of unacceptable professional conduct and conduct that may bring the profession into disrepute.

Mr Smith, who admitted all of the allegations, was given a prohibition order.

'Seeking relationship'

The panel heard the matter came to the attention of the school after it was reported to staff by a friend of the student involved.

The school carried out an investigation and reviewed Mr Smith's email account.

It was found that, between May 2022 and July 2022, the teacher had sent four emails directly to the pupil - referred to at the hearing as Student A - and there was one unsent email in his drafts.

The first two emails related to reading lists and revision sessions but the other two emails and the draft email, were said to be "personal, inappropriate and demonstrated that the teacher was seeking to build a relationship with Student A and thought of them in a romantic manner".

One of the emails said: "It's been a real and constant pleasure since the beginning of year 9. Wherever you end up next year it's very much my loss."

Belper School referred the matter to a disciplinary hearing in May 2023, by which time Mr Smith had already been dismissed.

The TRA panel concluded the emails were "clearly inappropriate, flirtatious and overly familiar".

The panel went on to say Mr Smith had romantic feelings towards the student, was "emotionally manipulative", and made "inappropriate remarks about fellow teachers".

It concluded "Mr Smith's actions in sending flirtatious and indiscreet emails, giving presents to Student A, seeking to see her on her own, and suggesting ways of meeting her outside of school, were all carried out by Mr Smith in pursuit of a sexual relationship with Student A".

'Robust safeguarding'

Student A herself is said to have later considered that she was being "groomed" by Mr Smith, the hearing was told.

The panel concluded Mr Smith's conduct "fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession".

Decision maker Sarah Buxcey said: "This means that Mr Elliot Smith is prohibited from teaching indefinitely and cannot teach in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children's home in England."

In a statement, Belper School said: "In 2022, the school received an allegation concerning a member of staff.

"The allegation was dealt with in accordance with our robust safeguarding procedures, and the staff member has not worked at the school since that time.

"While this was not a criminal investigation, it was treated with the seriousness and urgency that all safeguarding concerns warrant.

"Safeguarding remains our highest priority. We continue to maintain rigorous procedures to protect the safety and wellbeing of every student in our care. Our focus, as always, is on supporting our students and the wider school community.

"We respectfully request that the privacy of the former student involved is fully respected. No further comment will be made at this time."

Mr Smith has a right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days of receiving the order.