Teacher who hit boy on the head for talking in class faces the sack
A drama teacher's career lay in ruins after she was convicted of assaulting a 13-year-old boy by smacking him on the head with a folder for talking in class.
Vanessa Greening now faces the sack after a 30-year career in the classroom Photo: NEWSTEAM
10:03AM GMT 04 Nov 2012
Vanessa Greening, 49, lost her temper during a performance by pupils at Alexandra High School, in Tipton, West Mids, last February.
A court heard that she hit the boy with the folder she was carrying after hearing someone speak.
The boy, who was sitting next to another teacher, had admitted talking earlier, but claimed that when Greening lashed out he had not said a word.
His parents complained about the incident to teachers, who contacted the police and she was charged.
Greening, from Bearwood, Birmingham, was sentenced to a six-month community order at Sandwell magistrates' court after being found guilty of common assault.
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The teacher now faces the sack after a 30-year career in the classroom.
Kelly Crowe, prosecuting, said: "While they were watching the group do the piece of work, someone spoke, and the defendant, who had a folder in her hand, slammed it once to his head."
The court heard that the boy was shocked, but uninjured, and later told police: "It didn't hurt."
Magistrates were also told that Greening, who had pleaded not guilty, had been reprimanded previously for her conduct.
Laura Culley, defending, said that Greening did not accept that the incident happened "intentionally or otherwise".
Following the case, Ian Binnie, the headmaster, confirmed that the school's disciplinary procedures were under way.
The case follows that of a teacher who was sacked for pinning down a boy who threw a milkshake at him.
Robert Cox, 59, lost his job at Bemrose School in Derby after he was seen on classroom CCTV holding the 16-year-old's arms to his sides and pushing him into a chair.
The teacher said he feared that the boy, who had verbally abused him and hurled a banana milkshake, was about to throw a chair, and he acted in self defence.
No complaint was made by the boy or his parents, but the head teacher and governors decided that Mr Cox should be dismissed because his behaviour went beyond restraint.
An employment tribunal turned down his claim for unfair dismissal, agreeing that his actions were "excessive".
Mr Cox, who might appeal against the tribunal's decision, said that his dismissal sent out a message that pupils could do "whatever they want".
Alexandra High School is described as a large comprehensive with about 1,400 pupils.
Writing on the school's website, Mr Binnie describes the children as "very friendly and eager to learn".
He said: "Most of the pupils are lovely. Their parents send them to school well turned out, ready to work and tell them to behave themselves. Most do. They welcome new teachers and are both loyal and generous."