A school learning support worker is in hot water for overstepping boundaries during sex education classes and allegedly joining a pupil’s WhatsApp group. Claire Townsend, who was at Willows High in Cardiff, shared personal history during a lesson, when it reportedly wasn’t necessary. But it doesn’t stop there! Townsend is also alleged to have joined a pupil social media chat group using her personal phone number—against school safeguarding rules!
During a professional standards hearing, it was revealed that the headteacher, Chris Norman, was notified of this breach and took swift action. Townsend initially denied being part of the group but became “vague” when asked further, as per the school’s safeguarding lead, Michelle Mackintosh’s testimony. According to the EWC fitness to practise panel, Townsend gave a pupil her phone number to join the chat and stayed for about a month, all while sending informal messages.
It’s alleged that Townsend ignored inappropriate messages in the chat, even adding cheeky responses with ‘x’s. That’s a major red flag according to school policies! This isn’t all—between March 2023 and June 2024, Townsend allegedly shouted at pupils unnecessarily, used patronising tones, and handed out demerits without cause. Referring to pupils as “lovely” and “darling” during sanctions also raised eyebrows.
An internal investigation has been launched, and the matter has been referred to the EWC. With such accusations, it’s clear there are questions about professional conduct and safeguarding at play here. The hearing continues… Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds!