Norwich: Banned primary teacher grabbed two pupils by throat

Stephen McCulley, 58, was working as a supply teacher at St William's Primary School in Thorpe St Andrew when the incidents happened in March 2019.

A teachers’ disciplinary panel heard on two separate occasions on the same day he put his hands on the throats of two different pupils calling one a "scumbag" and making comments to the other about "sticking him to the wall".

Following an investigation, he accepted a police caution for his conduct in September 2019.

The experienced teacher, who had worked in the classroom and as a social worker for 34 years, was registered with a supply teaching agency when he began working at the school.

He admitted his actions against the eight and nine-year-old pupils was unacceptable professional conduct but claimed he had been joking.

St William's Primary School had over 400 pupils aged from three to 11 (Image: Google)

The Teaching Regulation Agency panel, which heard the case earlier this month, said that while neither child had any marks on their throats the following day his actions “may have had a negative impact on them”.

The panel’s report said one of the pupils described in a police interview how he thought another pupil, who had witnessed the incident, had “saved his life” when they told Mr McCulley to stop.

The second pupil said they “did not want to be left alone with Mr McCulley”.

In his submission, the teacher stated he was “deeply sorry and remorseful for my behaviour".

Recommending he be banned, the panel said although the incidents had “occurred on one day over a long career” it had concerns his behaviour could be repeated.

Sarah Buxcey, on behalf of the Secretary of State for Education, said: “The panel also felt that Mr McCulley's insight was limited as he maintained that his actions were a joke.

“In my judgement, the lack of full remorse or insight means that there is some risk of the repetition of this behaviour and this puts at risk the future wellbeing of pupils.”

He has 28 days to appeal and can apply for a review to become a teacher again in three years.

Sarah Shirras, executive headteacher of The Hive Federation, has welcome the outcome of the disciplinary investigation (Image: Newsquest)

Sarah Shirras, executive headteacher of The Hive Federation which includes St William’s Primary School, said: "Throughout this long investigation, we have worked closely with the authorities and the families affected, with the wellbeing of their children as our top priority.

"This case has proven how vital it is that children’s voices are at the core of safeguarding in all schools, empowering them to speak up to ensure we keep them safe.

"Having supported all aspects of this investigation, we are pleased with this final outcome."