Thurstable teacher in charge of child welfare ‘touched’ students

Paul Kaufman was employed at Thurstable School in Tiptree from 2010 until his resignation on April 30 last year.

He performed a number of senior roles, including the Director of Studies SEND (special educational needs and disabilities).

He admitted a number of allegations, including touching students’ hair, discussing matters of a sexual nature with students and telling a student she was “f*****g ugly”.

A professional misconduct panel found Mr Kaufman guilty of unacceptable professional conduct.

At least three students were subject to his inappropriate behaviour.

The hearing was told he told one student he “missed her while she was off school, told her she would be able to go for a drink with him in the future, and kicked her in the lower back or bottom”.

Mr Kaufman accepted “this was one of the most stupid things he had ever done”.

He also admitted asking a student to buy him tobacco.

The mother of one of the students raised concerns about Mr Kaufman and a meeting with the headteacher took place ten days later.

The school investigated and Kaufman was suspended at the end of March. He resigned before a conclusion was made.

The panel noted Mr Kaufman had previously been the named person responsible for child protection.

The report added: “As such he must have been aware of fundamental safeguarding practices.

“Despite this knowledge, he breached the boundaries that must exist between teachers and pupils and his conduct was contrary to all safeguarding protocols.”

Mr Kaufman is banned from teaching for life and he will not be entitled to apply for restoration of his eligibility to teach.

Thurstable School head teacher Miles Bacon said: “The well-being of our students is always our highest priority.

“Mr Kaufman resigned from Thurstable School in April 2017.

“We are aware of the Teaching Regulation Agency panel outcome, and the Department for Education’s judgement which prohibits Mr Kaufman from teaching indefinitely.

“Mr Kaufman’s misconduct consisted of flirtatious and, therefore, grossly inappropriate behaviour with sixth form students.

“As soon as the behaviour was reported to the school, safeguards were put in place ensuring the behaviour stopped immediately, and a full investigation was conducted with the support and guidance of Essex County Council.”

A spokesman for the NSPCC said: “School should be a place where young people feel safe and able to flourish but it was clear from the hearing Kaufman inhibited this by making students feel uncomfortable and upset.”