Teaching council reprimands head

A former school head who put water on a pupil's head to flatten his Mohican haircut has been found guilty of unacceptable professional conduct.

Russell Moon, 50, formerly of Phillip Morant School, Colchester, went before the General Teaching Council (GTC) in July and October this year.

The hearing reprimanded Mr Moon for acting inappropriately towards the pupil and also towards a staff member.

It found that he had also spoken in an inappropriate way to another pupil.

Mr Moon left Philip Morant School in April 2005 after six years in charge.

Colleague's demotion

The hearing accepted that Mr Moon carefully poured water onto Pupil A's hair and patted it down.

It found that "such actions were wholly unnecessary and the matter could have been dealt with in a less aggressive manner".

The GTC found that Mr Moon did not call female Pupil B a "liar", but did rule that Mr Moon spoke to her in an "inappropriate way".

It also found he spoke inappropriately to the mother of another pupil, known as Pupil C at the hearing.

The hearing said allegations that Mr Moon had tried to achieve the demotion of colleague John Keenan and that he had used inappropriate language to Mr Keenan were not proved.

But it found that Mr Moon in 2004 misused the governing body's power of suspension on medical grounds in relation to Mr Keenan.

'Valuable contribution'

In mitigation the GTC heard that Mr Moon had expressed regret at his conduct in relation to the incidents found proven by the hearing.

The hearing also accepted Mr Moon's previous good history and testimonials by colleagues praising Mr Moon's record.

The GTC decided to reprimand Mr Moon. The reprimand will remain for on the register for two years and be taken into account if there are any future complaints.

Nicola Wilson, chair of the hearing, said the reprimand "demonstrates the importance of upholding the proper standards of conduct... whilst allowing Mr Moon to continue to make a valuable contribution to education".