A former primary school teacher named Thomas Taylor has been banned from the profession for two years due to assaulting a pupil and stamping on another boy’s head in South Ayrshire.
The incident took place at Heathfield School in Ayr in December 2022 when Taylor assaulted a 10-year-old pupil. He later referred himself to the General Teaching Council (GTC) for Scotland, but in May 2023, he attacked another boy in Troon.
In September 2023, Taylor appeared at Ayr Sheriff Court where he received two community payback orders for 400 hours of unpaid work. He was also placed under supervision for 36 months and required to wear an electronic tag for 16 months.
According to the GTC Scotland report, Taylor physically assaulted the 10-year-old boy by pushing him, seizing his clothing and arms, and forcefully walking him into the school premises. Six months later, he attacked another child in Troon by grabbing him by the neck, throwing him to the ground, stamping on his head, and kicking him repeatedly.
During the investigation by the teaching regulator, Taylor expressed hope that the victims could move on from the experience positively and apologized for his actions. The report mentioned that he appeared to be taking steps to address his violent behavior, but the panel concluded that his misconduct was too serious to continue as a teacher.
The panel highlighted the high level of aggression in Taylor’s behavior and the fact that children were the victims, which added to the severity of the case. They stated that someone who behaved in such a manner could not be allowed in a classroom environment, particularly as a registered teacher.
As a result, Taylor has been removed from the teaching register and is prohibited from reapplying for two years, the maximum period of prohibition. South Ayrshire Council has been reached out to for a comment on the matter.
