Headteacher Dismissed for Safeguarding Failures
A former headmistress has been permanently banned from the teaching profession after an investigation revealed she kept a significant stash of alcohol in her school office, which was regularly accessed by children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Leanne Grove, 44, was suspended from her position at Hazeldene School in Bedford in March 2023 following the discovery.
The Discovery and Investigation
The initial alarm was raised when a teaching assistant spotted an empty gin and tonic can in Grove's handbag. This prompted a full investigation by school authorities, who subsequently found a haul of opened and unopened alcoholic drinks stored in unlocked cupboards and open containers within her office.
Ms Grove admitted to the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) misconduct panel that she had consumed alcohol on the school premises on at least two occasions: before a governors' meeting and after a parents' evening. She stated this was done in her office when no pupils were present, but she did not disclose the quantity of alcohol consumed.
Panel Findings and Professional Breach
The TRA panel ruled that her actions created a serious safeguarding risk. They concluded that alcohol could have been accessed and consumed by persons using the office, including SEND pupils, a point which Grove also admitted. The panel's report highlighted that the office was occasionally left unlocked and was regularly used by pupils, particularly when they were distressed.
In a written submission, Grove expressed remorse, stating she had ‘let down the whole school community’ and had moved on in her career with no desire to return to teaching. Despite this, the panel emphasised her position of trust and responsibility, stating that her behaviour fell significantly short of expected professional standards.
Indefinite Teaching Ban Imposed
Signing off on the prohibition order on behalf of Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, civil servant David Oatley stated there was a risk of repeated behaviour, which would jeopardise pupil wellbeing. Leanne Grove has been banned from teaching indefinitely in any school, sixth form college, or children's home in England.
While she can apply to have the prohibition order set aside, she cannot do so until 2027 at the earliest, which is two years from the date of the order issued in November 2025.
