A teacher who told pupils about her drunken hen night and romantic relationships has been banned from the classroom. Natasha Blackmore, 36, was head of design and technology at Westfield Academy in Somerset when she shared inappropriate details about her personal life with students.
The Teaching Regulation Agency panel found that Blackmore discussed break-ups, showed pupils derogatory text messages about another person, and described a social event where she was drinking, vaping and smoking. Up to five pupils would visit her during breaks and lunchtimes, with one saying the teacher saw them as friends, not students.
Blackmore admitted unacceptable professional conduct. She also joined a pupils' Instagram group chat and met them during school holidays at a recreational centre, bringing her dog. The panel judged she had failed to provide a safe learning environment, relying on pupils for emotional support after her dog died.
One parent described Blackmore as a good teacher and said they were not worried about underhand behaviour. However, the panel ruled that Blackmore showed insight and remorse, allowing her to apply for the ban to be reviewed after two years.
