A primary school head teacher in London has been found guilty of engaging in a sexual act and watching porn in his office, where he could be seen from the opposite building.
Jamie Henderson, who was appointed as head teacher at Canonbury Primary School, Islington, in 2005, is banned from teaching indefinitely.
The General Teaching Council for England (GTC), the body which regulates teaching standards, condemned his behaviour as “reckless” and said: “We were not satisfied Mr Henderson did not pose a significant risk of repeated behaviour.”
An Ofsted report in 2006 - conducted after Henderson had been at the school for 18 months - said: “He has gained the confidence and support of staff, governors, pupils and parents. There is a buzz at the school.”
One parent wrote to Ofsted saying: “The head teacher has the energy, charisma and commitment to turn the school around and take it forward.”
But less than two years later Henderson was accused of downloading, accessing and viewing pornography on a school laptop at the community primary school. He also faced accusations of committing sexual acts in his office on two separate occasions in 2008, regardless of the risks of being seen by pupils.
Henderson later admitted the allegations and was dismissed from the school for gross misconduct in May 2009. The school referred his case to the GTC.
Richard Watts, Islington Council's executive member for children and young people, said: "We welcome the GTC's decision to strike him off the teaching register and their finding that his behaviour fell well below the standards expect of a head teacher. We expect the highest standards of behaviour for school staff who are role models for young people."
Henderson is allowed to apply for permission to re-register in two year’s time but his case would have to be reviewed by a panel.
Sarah Bowie, chair of the professional conduct committee which found Henderson guilty said: “Mr Henderson’s behaviour fell well below the standards expected of a member of the profession, particularly those expected of a head teacher.
“He failed to uphold school child protection policies and procedures, failed to demonstrate integrity in the use of the school’s ICT equipment and failed to maintain reasonable standards in his own behaviour that enabled him to uphold public trust and confidence in the profession.”
The definitions of acceptable teacher conduct are set to enter murky waters as the Government overhauls the system of regulating teachers. Last month, the GTC warned the Government’s decision to abolish the professional code for teachers would have serious implications for the public interest.
Head of policy for the council, Kathy Baker, said: “The code is important in directly addressing the public interest to define binding expectations of professional practice.”
The Government’s replacement of a single set of standards were criticised by the GTC for failing to set out the conduct expected of a qualified teacher.
Russell Hobby, General Secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, said: “The code of conduct forms part of professional standards for teachers. The NAHT has long argued that such a code must not only protect the public but set clear boundaries for the profession.
“It is in all of our interests that teachers maintain their position among the most respected people in our communities. Because of their high profile place in children’s lives, teachers’ boundaries therefore need to be set beyond those of most people.”
The GTC itself is due to be abolished by the end of March next year. Gail Mortimer, head of the council attacked the “blunt tool” which will take over the council’s work. She said: “In future, [teachers’] poor behaviour will either result in no action at profession-wide level or complete barring.”
The school was not available for comment.