Ban for teacher who told pupils about drunken night

Banned for Sharing Personal Details with Students

A teacher from Westfield Academy secondary school in Yeovil, Somerset, has been barred from teaching after revealing personal information about her life to pupils. Natasha Blackmore, 36, previously head of design technology, shared details about her relationships and social activities, including a night of heavy drinking, during an investigation by the Teaching Regulation Agency.

Professional Boundaries Breached

The panel heard that Blackmore exchanged messages with students via social media group chats and arranged a meeting with them during school holidays. One student described the teacher’s behavior as “some kind of weird relationship” where they shared personal stories and confided in each other. The report noted that up to five pupils visited her in her classroom during breaks and lunchtimes, with one student claiming she viewed them as friends rather than students.

“Ms Blackmore’s conduct amounted to misconduct of a serious nature,” the panel concluded. “It fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession.”

Blackmore admitted to joining a pupil’s Instagram group chat and inviting them to meet her dog at Yeovil Recreational Centre. She also confessed to discussing her “drunken night out” and mentioning vaping and smoking with students. A parent defended her, stating, “I was never worried anything underhand was happening. She had been a really good teacher.”

Supporting Statement from the Teacher

Blackmore explained that the students’ support helped her cope after her dog’s death. “Without their encouragement, I don’t think I would have returned to work properly,” she said. The panel found her actions violated the staff code of conduct, leading to an indefinite ban. She may request a review after two years.

Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Share story ideas with us via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630.