A Slough teacher has been banned from classrooms after he was warned about his ‘over-familiarity’ with primary school girls.

Andrew Watson resigned from the Marish Academy Trust, comprised of Marish and Willow Primary Schools, in December 2019 after concerns had been raised about his interactions with female pupils.

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A teacher misconduct panel heard how Watson, aged 29, was twice warned about his 'overfamiliarity' towards young girls in March and May 2019.

An investigation into his actions was launched in November 2019 after further concerns were raised following an alleged incident between Wilson and a group of girls in a PE office.

The Teaching Regulation Agency panel found:

  • Watson hugged female pupils and allowed them to play with his hair
  • Allowed female pupils to access his personal mobile phone
  • Was in a room with just him and the female pupils when the door was shut.

Watson did not attend the hearing and did not deny the allegations made against him.

After deciding Watson had breached Teachers Standards, the panel commented: “The panel was satisfied that Mr Watson’s conduct amounted to misconduct of a serious nature which fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession.

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“In particular, the panel was of the view that Mr Watson had demonstrated a concerning pattern of behaviour from the outset of his employment with the Trust and, despite advice, guidance, and training from the Trust, that pattern of behaviour persisted and, to some extent appeared to escalate.”

The panel issued a prohibition order, which means Wilson is banned from teaching forever.

Watson will not be allowed to ask for the prohibition order to be reviewed, either.

The decision was made on May 25, 2022.