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A music instructor at Wimbledon Park Primary School has narrowly avoided a classroom ban after a professional conduct hearing failed to substantiate claims that he consumed alcohol while on school grounds. Nicholas Smalley, who was dismissed in December 2023, admitted to arriving at the school with the smell of alcohol but denied any wrongdoing in the classroom.
Incident Overview
The case against Smalley stemmed from a drum lesson in which a witness noticed a strong odour of alcohol emanating from him. During the hearing conducted by the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA), the witness described how she immediately detected the scent and expressed concern about his condition. When confronted, Smalley reportedly acknowledged having been drinking, leading to questions about his ability to teach effectively.
However, the TRA panel concluded that while there was credible evidence of Smalley smelling of alcohol, the allegation that he had been drinking on school premises was not substantiated. The panel acknowledged the testimony of witnesses who described Smalley as generally “friendly and very nice,” ultimately deciding that losing his expertise would be detrimental to the school’s music programme.
Evidence and Testimonies
Testimonies presented at the hearing included details of a can of Red Bull and a large bottle of tonic water found on the piano during the lesson. The witness claimed that the tonic water contained a “clear liquid,” but upon inquiry, Smalley insisted it was water, a statement he reiterated during the hearing. Despite the witness’s assertion that he appeared incoherent and “absolutely plastered,” the panel could not find definitive evidence of alcohol consumption on school premises.
In his defence, Smalley provided a statement asserting that he had not brought alcohol into the school and that the bottle was typically used for water or cordial. He expressed regret for the impression he made, yet maintained that his actions did not warrant a ban.
Panel’s Decision and Public Interest
While the TRA panel recognised that Smalley’s behaviour could negatively influence public perception of the teaching profession, they ultimately deemed a prohibition order excessive and not in the interest of the public. TRA chief executive Marc Carvey stated that the findings alone would sufficiently communicate the expected standards of behaviour for educators.
The panel also took into consideration Smalley’s lengthy career as an educator spanning over 27 years without prior incidents, suggesting that the incident was out of character for him. They noted that personal pressures he faced at the time, including a busy schedule of teaching and evening performances, likely affected his judgement.
Why it Matters
This case highlights the delicate balance between maintaining professional standards in education and recognising the complexities of individual circumstances. While the panel’s decision to forgo a ban reflects an understanding of Smalley’s history and personal challenges, it also raises questions about the expectations placed on educators. As schools grapple with the implications of staff conduct, the outcome serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding both the integrity of the profession and the well-being of educators.
