A former Crewe supply teacher has been barred from working in schools indefinitely after she had an "inappropriate relationship" with a pupil who was under 18.

Ms Joanna Broad-Reeder, 58, a teacher at St Margeret Ward Catholic Academy, Tunstall, was working at St Thomas More Catholic High School, Dane Bank Avenue, when she first met the pupil.

The professional conduct panel heard that between September 2022 and January 2024, Ms Broad-Reeder exchanged messages of a personal nature with the pupil and met up to attend various films, art exhibitions and concerts. 

She had sent various messages to the male pupil over WhatsApp, one reading: "Just this very moment, I realise what it is I feel for you. It is love – a love of who I used to be and who I longed for when I was young – which was you."

Joanna Broad-Reeder was teaching at St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy in Tunstall when the allegations came to light (Nub News).

The allegations came to light around April 2024, when Ms Broad-Reeder was referred to the Teaching Regulation Agency by St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy. 

A report recommending she be banned from teaching said: "The panel finds that the conduct of Ms Broad-Reeder fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession. 

"The findings of misconduct are particularly serious as they include a finding of an inappropriate relationship over a sustained period with a pupil whom she had taught at her former employer and who was under 18."

The report added: "Ms Broad-Reeder stated that as she was no longer at the School, she foolishly thought that as it was a friendship it would not be deemed inappropriate."

The panel also found that controlling or coercive behaviour was relevant for the ruling to ban her from teaching in relation to messages she sent to the pupil where she was angry at him for not replying to her texts sooner.

In various emails sent to her lawyers, Ms Broad-Reeder said: "I am filled with regret and grief at the loss of my career, the loss of my good reputation, the shame and the loss of a friendship I hoped would be with me till I die. 

"I totally understand that I may have exceeded the parameters…I am only guilty of emotionally caring for and enjoying sharing the Arts with the pupil. 

"I understand completely why I have been seen to bring the teaching profession into disrepute, although this was never my intent.

"I agree that it now seems as unprofessional and totally accept that some of my actions were not best thought through."

However, the panel did not find the emails to be a persuasive mitigation for her actions and said Ms Broad-Reeder had failed to show "true insight or remorse". 

The order means Ms Broad-Reeder is now prohibited from teaching indefinitely and cannot teach in any school, sixth-form college, relevant youth accommodation or children's home in England.

She was struck off indefinitely, but she can request for this to be reviewed after a period of no less than four years.

Broad-Reeder has a right of appeal to the King's Bench Division of the High Court within 28 days from the date she was given notice of the order.

READ MORE: Man, 25, in hospital with 'serious injuries' after being hit by car in Crewe.

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