A heated discussion over telling time took an unexpected turn at Gwaunmeisgyn Primary School in Beddau. Teaching assistant Lee-Ann Thomas is accused of grabbing and digging her fingers into a teacher’s arm during a debate about how young students learn to tell the time. The incident reportedly left the teacher, Bethan Jones, suffering from nightmares.
This unusual scene unfolded after the school hosted a workshop about times tables. Witnesses say Thomas got frustrated during a casual staff chat and allegedly grabbed her colleague’s arm in front of other staff and even some pupils. Ms. Jones described the incident, saying that although she was wearing a thick coat, Thomas’s grip still hurt. Since that day, she says she’s had nightmares about returning to school and facing Thomas again.
An internal disciplinary investigation revealed that Thomas did admit to the incident, indicating she got agitated and should not have invaded her colleague’s space. The accusation of “unacceptable professional conduct” now looms over her as she faces a fitness to practise hearing to decide if she can continue in her role.
The incident has sparked concerns about workplace tensions, with some staff noting a history of similar frustrations. In the aftermath, the staff who witnessed the grabbing reported walking on eggshells around Thomas, worrying about potential outbursts.
While an unexpected and shocking incident, this situation sheds light on the pressures educators may face and how they handle them. The hearing continues.