THE former headteacher of a Synod Inn primary school who used her school’s Christmas card money and left IOUs in its place has been banned from teaching.
A disciplinary committee in Cardiff found Helen Hopkins acted dishonestly in claiming research money from Ysgol Bro Sion Cwilt’s funds and leaving IOU notes.
It ruled her actions amounted to unacceptable professional conduct. Mrs Hopkins received an indefinite ban, but can apply to re-register after two years and is entitled to appeal against the order to the High Court.
Mrs Hopkins admitted taking cash but denied her actions amounted to unacceptable professional conduct and denied taking it for personal use.
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She also took money collected at the school’s eisteddfod which was meant to pay for cards and books.
The Education Workforce Council hearing said it could not prove she had acted dishonestly in giving IOUs for personal use.
Panel members also could not prove dishonesty in relation to her taking the book money or the eisteddfod collection.
Patrick Llewellyn, defending, described Mrs Hopkins as “an extremely experienced” headteacher who had “an enviable record at an enviable school”.
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