Former teacher banned from classroom for life after failing to report colleague's inappropriate relationship with a pupil and being convicted of sex offences

Lian Laidlaw, 44, formerly known as Ian Featherstone, has been banned from teaching indefinitely after admitting he failed to report his colleague's inappropriate relationship with a pupil at Abbotsholme School in East Staffordshire. The Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) hearing was told that Mr Laidlaw did tell another pupil about the relationship but did not report it to the school as a safeguarding concern.

Mr Laidlaw, who worked at the Rocester school from September 2017 to July 2022, admitted to the allegations which were deemed unacceptable professional conduct and conduct that could bring the profession into disrepute. He was dismissed from the school in July 2022 after a disciplinary hearing.

The panel heard Mr Laidlaw could have filed a safeguarding report as early as June 2022, having spent time with both his colleague and the pupil, but he initially denied knowing anything about the relationship. He later admitted lying during his disciplinary hearing.

Mr Laidlaw was subsequently convicted of two counts of sexual activity with a pupil at Derby Crown Court in November 2022 and sentenced to 12 months imprisonment suspended for two years, rehabilitation activity, electronic monitoring, unpaid work, participation in a sex offender programme and a 10-year placement on the sex offenders register.

Decision maker Sarah Buxcey stated that the findings of misconduct were extremely serious, including failing to report a safeguarding concern, dishonest conduct, and an offence involving sexual activity with a child. She deemed his actions as a breach of trust placed in him as a teacher and banned him from teaching indefinitely.