A former deputy safeguarding lead at a North East primary school has been prohibited from teaching indefinitely after sending inappropriate emails to pupils and sharing images over Snapchat. Emma Anderson, 46, worked at Whinstone Primary School in Ingleby Barwick when she exchanged hundreds of emails with a pupil, some outside working hours and during school holidays, and arranged to meet students outside school.
Held in Absence, Panel Finds Unacceptable Professional Conduct
The Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) professional conduct hearing took place in May, but Anderson did not attend and was not represented. Panel chair Martin Coles outlined allegations dating back to her time at the school. She was suspended in 2024 after a parent complaint led to police involvement. Cleveland Police confirmed an investigation, but no criminal offences were identified. A spokesperson said: "A report was made to Cleveland Police in relation to a woman communicating with a child. An investigation took place and the woman was arrested and interviewed. Following that investigation, officers established that there were no criminal offences identified and the woman was released with no further action."
Blurred Professional Boundaries and Failure to Safeguard
The hearing was told Anderson exchanged emails with a pupil on a regular basis, mentioning personal information and failing to take appropriate action to safeguard a student. She also took pictures with two pupils using her personal mobile phone and shared emails with another pupil after they had left the school. The panel found she "blurred professional boundaries" and failed to act in accordance with her duties in a safeguarding capacity. Laurence Harris, representing the TRA, described her behaviour as a "flagrant breach of professional boundaries, amounting to unacceptable professional conduct." He noted some pictures were shared via Snapchat, adding: "Reasonable members of the public would be shocked that communications were taking place. It is conduct that would bring the teaching profession into disrepute."
School Response and Strengthened Safeguarding
Anderson resigned in December 2024. Lorraine Batty, headteacher of Whinstone Primary School, said: "As soon as these serious allegations against the staff member were brought to our attention, we immediately investigated in line with our policies and informed the police that same day. After the police investigation concluded, an internal investigation continued. Appropriate referrals, including to the Teaching Regulation Agency, were made in line with the investigation findings and the member of staff is no longer employed by the Trust. Following this incident we have reviewed and further strengthened our safeguarding policies and procedures, including a whole staff training day to reinforce the culture of professional curiosity and reiterate guidance around reporting both low level and safeguarding concerns."
Indefinite Prohibition Order with Review Possible After Five Years
The panel concluded Anderson was guilty of unacceptable professional conduct, deeming her actions "conduct that may bring the profession into disrepute." She is now prohibited from teaching indefinitely in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation, or children’s home in England. She may apply for the order to be set aside no earlier than five years from the date of the order.
