Matthew Fletcher Brown, who taught at Ysgol Maelgwn in Llandudno Junction, said he had done it as a 'joke' but realised he acted 'foolishly'
A teacher who Sellotaped a boy of eight by his bare ankles to a chair for fidgeting has been found guilty of unacceptable professional conduct.
Matthew Fletcher Brown, 38, told the headmistress of Ysgol Maelgwn at Llandudno Junction that he did it as a “joke”, but realised he acted “foolishly”, a disciplinary hearing heard today.
Steve Powell, chair of the fitness to practise committee of the Education Workforce Council held at Ewloe, said the hearing would continue despite Brown’s decision not to attend.
Brown, who lives in Llandudno Junction, also declined to be represented or call any witnesses to the hearing, where he was found guilty of unacceptable professional conduct involving the child known as Pupil A.
Gisella Williams, who was head of the school at the time, said Brown was a “well-liked” supply teacher for a number of years, teaching a class of seven- and eight-year-olds.
Miss Williams said the father of Pupil A, who was a bright pupil, had visited her at the school in July 2015.
“The father said Pupil A was extremely reluctant to attend school that day,” she said.
“Pupil A had told him Matthew Brown Sellotaped his ankles to a chair during a lesson.
“Pupil A had been fidgeting in his chair during the lesson and told to stay still.”
The pupil, who was wearing shorts, had been upset by what happened, the hearing heard.
Miss Williams said: “When Pupil A’s father relayed what happened, I was extremely shocked.”
She said Brown appeared “very remorseful” when she confronted him.
“Matthew Brown thought he was doing it as a joke at the time, but realised he was acting foolishly,” she said.
“I felt Matthew Brown’s conduct was unprofessional and foolish.
“I don’t think he was setting a good example for the children. A pupil would have been punished.
“I don’t think Mr Brown thought about his actions or thought about the consequences for his career.
“He was very popular with the staff. It came as a bit of a shock when Pupil A’s father came to see me. I had no concerns regarding his work.”
Lena Berno-Jones, a teaching assistant, told the hearing that Brown whispered to her that he was going to tape the legs to the chair “for a laugh”.
She said: “I said: ‘are you sure that’s a good idea?’ I think you should be careful.’
“I don’t think there was any malice in his actions and didn’t think he had harmed the children in any way.”
Brown was also accused of Sellotaping Pupil A’s hands to a desk and taping the hand of a girl known as Pupil B to a ball.
Committee chairman Steve Powell said he appeared to suggest the ball incident was an accident.
Mrs Berno-Jones said she didn’t believe they were serious incidents.
Presenting officer Carys Williams said Brown had now de-registered as a teacher. He had been covering for a teacher on maternity leave at the time.
Mr Powell said: “It wasn’t his intention to cause harm. Nevertheless, his actions were inappropriate.”
Ms Williams said: “While some remorse has been expressed, there does seem to be a significant lack of insight into his actions.”
Brown received a reprimand for what Mr Powell said was a "lapse in his professional judgement".
It will last on his record for two years.
"The reprimand marks the fact Mr Brown's behaviour was unacceptable and mustn't happen again," said Mr Powell.
Brown had acknowledged some insight into his failings and shown remorse, he said.
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/conwy-teacher-who-sellotaped-pupil-12445277
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