P.E. Teacher Dragged Student While Girl Was Trying to Tie Shoes. She’s Allowed to Keep Teaching and ‘Deeply’ Regrets Incident

A gym teacher employed at Stewards Academy in Harlow, Essex, has expressed profound remorse after an incident in which she dragged a student across the changing room floor while the child attempted to tie her shoelaces. Charlotte Venables, who has been with the school since 2018, admitted to the inappropriate conduct that took place during a physical education class on 6 September 2022.

According to a recent report from the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA), Venables’ actions constituted a serious lapse in judgement. However, the agency ultimately concluded that a prohibition on her ability to teach was unwarranted.

The sequence of events began when the unidentified pupil, referred to in reports as Child A, was in the changing room following a gym session. During a routine procedure where staff members countdown the time for students to exit, Venables allegedly pulled the child’s ankle or foot off a bench and dragged her across the floor. The incident was promptly reported by the child’s parent to the assistant headmaster later that day.

Following the report, the school undertook a preliminary investigation, during which Venables denied using force. However, a review of the CCTV footage during the disciplinary process led her to acknowledge, “it was me and that my conduct was inappropriate.” This admission underscored the gravity of the incident as outlined by the TRA’s conduct panel.

In her testimony, Venables explained that she was locking up the changing room and noticed that two students remained behind. Claiming to have been attempting to assist the child with her shoe, she unintentionally caused her to fall to the floor. Venables acknowledged her error, stating, “I recognise that I made an error in judgment in how I responded to the situation in September 2022.”

She further emphasised that there was no intent to harm. “Please know that my intention was never to cause harm or distress to the child,” she remarked, expressing awareness that her reaction was wholly inappropriate. Venables admitted that the incident was overwhelming, which contributed to her failure to report it promptly to school officials.

The TRA panel characterised the event as a “brief isolated incident” and acknowledged that the child did not suffer any lasting physical harm as a result. They noted that while her actions were unacceptable, Venables is otherwise regarded as a diligent teacher with an impeccable track record prior to this incident.

It was also noted during the proceedings that Venables had been experiencing considerable personal difficulties, which had not been disclosed to the school. Such context raised questions about the teacher’s state of mind during the incident, with the panel concluding it was out of character for her. Following the event, she has taken significant steps, including extensive training in safeguarding, to prevent any recurrence of similar behaviour.

The panel also received positive character references detailing her exemplary work ethic and professionalism. As a result, the TRA ultimately decided against enforcing a prohibition order on Venables, stating that doing so would not serve the public interest. Official Stuart Blomfield concluded, “I have concluded that a prohibition order is not proportionate or in the public interest.”

Stewards Academy has yet to release a statement regarding this incident and the outcomes of the TRA hearing. The case highlights the importance of appropriate conduct within educational settings and the potential consequences of actions that may arise in high-pressure environments.