A FORMER deputy head teacher of a Chipping Campden primary school has been banned from teaching after admitting being under the influence of drink while on duty at school and also for drinking in the classroom.

Jacquelyn Morris, 47, taught at St James’ and Ebrington Primary School from 2001 until she was suspended in December 2014 over the drink incidents and ultimately resigned.

The incidents were recorded as taking place between November 11 2013 and December 1 2014.

Morris admitted to a teachers disciplinary panel that she was guilty of unacceptable professional behaviour and that it was conduct that could bring the teaching profession into disrepute. She requested that the allegations be considered without a hearing.

Now she has been banned indefinitely from teaching though the way has been left open for her to apply to have the ban lifted after three years. But to do that she would have to satisfy another panel that she is fit to return to the classroom.

The findings of the National College of Teaching and Leadership panel, sitting in Coventry, who recommended she should be banned say that she admitted all the allegations against her.

They say that she was alleged to have either smelt of alcohol or to have appeared to be under the influence of alcohol at school on “numerous occasions.”

They continue: “On many of these occasions her condition and demeanour caused other members of staff to be concerned about her fitness.”

The findings add : “During the period covered by the allegation there is no evidence in the information available to the panel that she has shown any insight into the seriousness of her behaviour and its impact on the very young children at the school and her colleagues.”

Imposing the ban on behalf of Education Secretary, Nicky Morgan, NCTL official, Paul Heathcote said there was no evidence to suggest that Morris had been suffering from a serious illness at the time of the incidents.

However, he said that the disciplinary panel had noted that she was apparently a successful teacher. She had held posts as deputy and assistant head teacher at the school though at the time of the incidents she was just a classroom teacher.

He said that the panel had felt she should have an opportunity to seek to have the ban lifted after three years and he agreed with that recommendation.

The ban means that she cannot teach in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children’s home in England.

She has the right to appeal to the High Court against this decision.

Joanna Jonson, head teacher at St James' and Ebrington Primary School, said: “We want our pupils to be safe and well when at school and always expect the highest standards from all teachers and staff.

"I have a wonderful and professional team here at St James' and Ebrington Primary, who work tirelessly to provide a happy and supportive environment for our pupils. If there is ever an issue the school takes prompt action as it did in this case.”