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Supply Teacher Convicted of Sexually Assaulting a Child in France Continues Teaching in North Yorkshire for 6 Months

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A supply teacher, Simon Schofield, who was convicted of sexually assaulting a child in France in November 2023, continued teaching in classrooms in North Yorkshire for six months without informing his agency of his conviction. Schofield, 59, did not declare his conviction during a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in 2024, which he had undergone as part of his agency's "robust processes." As a result, he was able to continue teaching at a "small number of schools" in the Thirsk area between December 2023 and May 2024, despite the seriousness of his offense. The case highlights concerns about the effectiveness of child safeguarding measures in the education sector.

Key Takeaways:

  • Simon Schofield, a 59-year-old supply teacher, was convicted of sexually assaulting a child in France in November 2023.
  • He did not inform his agency, Yorkshire Education Ltd, of his conviction, despite undergoing a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in 2024.
  • Schofield continued teaching at a "small number of schools" in the Thirsk area between December 2023 and May 2024, despite the seriousness of his offense.
  • The agency's DBS check did not flag Schofield's conviction, as it was not recorded on the Police National Computer (PNC) in the UK.
  • Schofield's agency, Yorkshire Education Ltd, claims to have "robust processes" in place, including regular criminal record checks every three months.
  • Schofield has been banned from teaching for life, with 28 days to appeal the decision to the High Court.

Statistics:

  • 6 months: The length of time Schofield continued teaching in North Yorkshire after his conviction.
  • 59 years old: The age of Simon Schofield at the time of his conviction.
  • 2023: The year in which Schofield was convicted of sexually assaulting a child in France.
  • 2024: The year in which Schofield underwent a DBS check without declaring his conviction.
  • 28 days: The time period given to Schofield to appeal the decision to the High Court.

Sources:

  • Schofield's conviction was recorded in the Police National Computer (PNC) and flagged to UK authorities.
  • Source: "We don't manage the vetting of teachers." - PNC Spokesperson
  • Source: Schofield's agency, Yorkshire Education Ltd, said they "cooperated closely with the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) in the TRA's successful investigation of Simon Schofield."

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