The Education Workforce Council (EWC) imposed a reprimand on Claire Townsend, an unqualified teacher at Willows High School in Tremorfa, Cardiff, after she shared personal details about her sexual history during a sex education lesson and joined a WhatsApp group chat with pupils.
Inappropriate WhatsApp Messages
A parent alerted headteacher Chris Norman to the WhatsApp chat, prompting safeguarding lead Michelle Mackintosh to ask Townsend about her involvement. Townsend initially denied being a member but later said a pupil had added her. Screenshots showed her responding to a pupil's message 'I touch myself' with: 'I am here guys but honestly I'm not going to get offended by any of your messages, I know it's just banter etc... and to be honest, someone has to do it! Have a good summer all. x'
On another occasion, late at night during the summer holidays, she wrote: 'I'm still here guys!! To be honest 80% of what you send I do not understand, I won't get offended so carry on doing what you're doing and I'll just watch!!!! x'
Breach of Safeguarding Rules
The panel found Townsend broke school safeguarding rules and EWC guidance by sharing her personal phone number to join the group chat. She was in the chat for about a month between July and August 2024. Townsend claimed she gave her number to share a video from the school's 'genius hour' programme, but the panel did not accept this as truthful.
Other Misconduct Findings
The panel also found that between March 2023 and June 2024, Townsend shouted or raised her voice at pupils when inappropriate, referred to pupils as 'lovely' or 'darling' while sanctioning them, and threatened unwarranted demerits or referrals to the alternate provision centre. However, a claim that she spoke in a frustrated, sarcastic, patronising, or confrontational tone was not upheld.
Mitigation and Reprimand
The committee noted Townsend's lack of judgement but found no evidence of serious harm to learners. Chairman Steve Powell stated: 'This was not a case in the committee's view where there was an ongoing risk. The committee is satisfied the public interest would be best served in Miss Townsend being allowed to return to the profession.' The reprimand will remain on her registration for two years and be disclosed to employers during pre-employment checks.
