Ban for teacher who told pupils about drunken night

Ban for Teacher Who Shared Details of Drunken Night with Students

Natasha Blackmore, a 36-year-old teacher at Westfield Academy secondary in Yeovil, Somerset, has been indefinitely banned by a professional oversight body. The decision followed an investigation into her conduct, which included sharing personal information with students. Blackmore, who was head of design technology, revealed details about her private life, such as relationships and nights out involving alcohol, during the inquiry.

A panel from the Teaching Regulation Agency heard that Blackmore exchanged messages with pupils on social media group chats and invited them to meet her dog during school holidays. One student described the teacher’s behavior as a “weird relationship,” where they shared personal stories and felt a sense of familiarity beyond the classroom. The report noted that up to five students would visit her room during breaks and lunchtimes, and one pupil claimed she viewed them as friends rather than students.

“If it hadn’t been for those students and the support they showed me after I lost [REDACTED], I don’t think I would have come back to work properly due to the way I was feeling.”

Blackmore admitted to joining a pupil’s Instagram group chat and arranging a meeting with them at Yeovil Recreational Centre. The panel concluded that these actions violated the staff code of conduct. A parent, however, stated they were never concerned about any improper behavior and praised Blackmore as “a really good teacher.”

The report emphasized that Blackmore’s conduct fell short of professional standards, with the panel agreeing it constituted serious misconduct. Her actions included disclosing “significant inappropriate details” about her social life and spending excessive time with students. The ban remains in place, though she may seek a review after two years.