Deputy head banned from teaching 'after using excessive force' towards pupils at SEND school
A former deputy headteacher at a special education school for children aged five to 11 has been banned from teaching after using inappropriate and excessive force towards pupils.
Gregory Elleston, aged 31, worked as a deputy headteacher at Rowan Independent School in Coseley between November 4, 2017, until he resigned on May 9, 2018.
A professional conduct panel made the decision on behalf of the Secretary of State for Education at a virtual hearing held on July 24 and 25 this year, which Elleston did not attend.
The panel heard that amongst other incidents, Elleston pulled and dragged a pupil across the floor, whilst another was left with a "red mark" on their face, which they claimed was caused by the teacher.
They also heard that on or around March 2018, it was alleged that Elleston engaged in inappropriate and/or excessive physical contact with one or more pupils on one or more occasions by holding their arms behind their backs; putting his hand on their heads; and pushing their head down.
And on or around March 19, 2018, by taking hold of Pupil A’s arms, pulling and dragging Pupil A along the floor. He also lifted Pupil A from the ground by his arms.
Further, it was alleged that he engaged in this conduct despite having received previous advice and/or guidance/instruction in relation to his handling of pupils.
