A former teacher has been banned from the profession after sending inappropriate messages to a child. Lianne Barclay, 43, who taught food technology, was accused of sending sexually charged messages, including “I was horny” and “you gay yet?” to a young individual not in her class. Despite her claims that the allegations were ‘homophobic and discriminatory,’ the Teacher Regulation Agency (TRA) found her actions crossed professional boundaries.
Known for her tenure at a high school in Warrington, Barclay’s troubling communications with Child A were said to carry sexual undertones and often blurred the lines of a teacher’s professional conduct. Her messages, sent between March and July 2019, as well as voice notes, raised serious concerns about her intentions. Messages like “Can’t wait for a cuddle” and “I will never stop loving you” were scrutinised by the panel.
Barclay defended her interactions, arguing they were part of a friendship with Child A, whom she considered a family friend. She claimed the exchanges were not related to her teaching role since Child A wasn’t her student. Barclay also suggested that the allegations had elements of discrimination due to her sexuality. However, the panel concluded that Barclay’s messages appeared to lay the foundation for a potential sexual relationship and violated the expected conduct of educators.
In a decisive ruling, the panel barred Barclay from teaching indefinitely, with no opportunity to apply for restoration. This outcome underscores the seriousness with which such breaches are treated. Barclay has since moved on to a different career path.
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