A teaching assistant in Wales has been dismissed from his role after attending an elite football coaching course while signed off work on paid sick leave.
Social Media Post Reveals Attendance
Jamie Harris, who worked at Ysgol Bryn Castell in Bridgend, was "caught out" when a colleague saw a social media post showing he was at the UEFA A licence course in Newport. The hearing before the Education Workforce Council (EWC) Wales on 14 January 2026 was told Mr Harris had been on paid sick leave from the school for children with additional learning needs between 3 June and 17 June 2024 due to personal pressure.
However, during that period, he attended the four-day football training course. Mr Harris had secured a coveted place on the course after trying for three years and had saved £3,500 to cover the fee, having previously completed the UEFA B and C licence courses.
Denied Leave and Subsequent Dismissal
The hearing learned that Mr Harris's request for unpaid leave to attend the course had been denied by the school at the end of May 2024. He stated he was later signed off sick for personal reasons and claimed his employer never specified what he could or couldn't do while on leave.
Upon his return to work, he was summoned by headteacher Helen Ridout, who confronted him about the social media post. An investigation was launched, and Mr Harris, who immediately admitted attending the course, was subsequently dismissed. He told the hearing he was "devastated" by the dismissal.
Hearing Considers Allegations of Dishonesty
Presenting his evidence remotely, Mr Harris, a University of South Wales graduate who has coached for Yeovil Town and Barry Town, maintained he was genuinely unwell. He said his partner and family had encouraged him to go on the course to help him during a difficult time.
He refuted an allegation that his actions were dishonest but accepted that his initial response to the school lacked integrity. He admitted he "panicked" and wasn't fully honest initially about how many hours he spent at the course before providing a full account.
When asked by EWC presenting officer Joanna Wilkins if he felt "hard done by" after his unpaid leave request was rejected, Mr Harris said he was "confused" rather than annoyed. He acknowledged "it looked very bad attending the course" while on sick leave.
Mr Harris, who now works as a sports development officer at Woodlands special school in Cardiff, told the panel he had worked in construction after his dismissal, during which time he completed the other parts of the UEFA course. The hearing continues.
