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Kent teacher banned over babies remark
A teacher from Kent has been banned from the profession for two years after he had inappropriate conversations with students, including asking one if she wanted "to make babies".
Frank de Groot has been sacked by Rainham Mark Grammar School and deregistered as a teacher by the General Teaching Council (GTC).
He denied acting inappropriately but the GTC said the evidence of two pupils was consistent and credible.
He has 28 days to appeal.
Swore at class“Start Quote
End Quote Medway CouncilWe absolutely abhor this type of behaviour”
The panel's decision, made on 8 October, was revealed in a GTC statement. It described the teacher's actions, during 2007, as "unacceptable conduct".
The report showed that Mr de Groot swore in front of his Year 11 class and threw a pen at a Year 10 pupil.
The statement, by the GTC's professional conduct committee, said he asked a Year 10 pupil "Do you want to make babies?", which it said was inappropriate and demeaning, although the summary released by the GTC did not suggest he was propositioning the student.
Mr de Groot had admitted throwing the pen at a different pupil and using inappropriate language to his Year 11 class. He also disclosed details of a confidential meeting to one of his classes, according to the report.
'Inappropriate language'The teacher did not attend his disciplinary hearing, and the committee said in its ruling: "Your absence from the hearing has made it impossible for the committee to formulate appropriate and practical conditions to impose on your registration.
"Nor were the committee able to assess your willingness to respond positively to retraining and professional guidance."
It decided against a suspension because it felt there was a significant risk that Mr de Groot would repeat his behaviour.
Medway Council welcomed the ban. In a statement, it said: "We absolutely abhor this type of behaviour and can confirm this teacher was dismissed by the school's governing body...
"We fully support the General Teaching Council's decision to make a prohibition order in this case."