A primary school headteacher has been barred from the profession for storing and consuming alcohol on school grounds, including before a governors' meeting and after a parents' evening.
The Discovery of Alcohol
In March 2023, a teaching assistant at Hazeldene School in Bedford discovered two cans of gin and tonic in a handbag next to the desk of the headteacher, Leanne Grove. One of the cans was empty and the other was unopened.
This discovery prompted the school's assistant headteacher to report concerns to the vice-chair of governors and the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). Ms Grove was suspended from her duties shortly after the incident came to light.
Investigation and Allegations
A formal search of her office was undertaken, leading to a full investigation and a report in May 2023. The case was subsequently referred to the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA).
The panel considered several accusations against Ms Grove. She was found to have stored alcohol in her office without permission, including in open containers and unlocked cupboards. The alcohol was kept in rooms used by SEND pupils. Further allegations stated she brought alcohol onto school premises when not permitted and attended work on a day when she had consumed liquor.
Ms Grove admitted to all the facts of the allegations and conceded that her conduct amounted to unacceptable professional behaviour that could bring the teaching profession into disrepute.
The Panel's Ruling and Consequences
The TRA panel decided that a prohibition order was necessary, stating that public interest considerations outweighed Ms Grove's own interests. They described her behaviour as "reckless".
"Ms Grove was an experienced practitioner who would, inevitably, have known that her behaviour was inappropriate and wrong," the report stated. "Even if there was no evidence that pupils had sight of, never mind consumed, alcohol, her actions presented obvious risks."
The panel acknowledged her candour in explaining how her behaviour was triggered and that she had sought support. However, they could not be satisfied that there was no risk of the behaviour being repeated.
Leanne Grove had been the headteacher at Hazeldene School, a primary school, for three years between January 2020 and March 2023. She informed the panel that she has moved on in her career and has no desire to return to teaching.
