'Drugs' teacher can resume career

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A teacher arrested in possession of heroin and methadone outside her primary school has been told she is free to resume her career.

The General Teaching Council for Wales (GTCW) has imposed a conditional registration order on Emma Jones, 29, from Blaenau Ffestiniog in Gwynedd.

Miss Jones, who was sacked from Ysgol Y Traeth in Barmouth, must prove she is free from drugs for the next 12 months.

She was arrested and cautioned after the drugs were found in her car.

Miss Jones told the professional conduct committee of the teaching council on Thursday that the drugs were found in the boot and glove compartments.

"The car was parked outside the school premises. Not once did I bring any drugs into school, " she said.

Emma wholeheartedly and fully accepts her responsibility for her downfall. Robin Jones, Emma Jones' representative

The car was searched by police on 7 March last year as parents and children arrived at the 197-pupil school, and she was arrested.

Miss Jones said she had turned to drugs after she was previously suspended when colleagues found pieces of foil in a bin in her classroom toilet.

She said her fiancÃ© at the time was a drug user.

The teacher was sacked following a disciplinary hearing in July last year.

Miss Jones' representative, Robin Jones, told the disciplinary hearing: "Emma wholeheartedly and fully accepts her responsibility for her downfall.

Medical evidence

"Her actions have led to her dismissal."

But he added: "Today Emma is free of drugs. I'm pleading for the utmost leniency."

The professional conduct committee imposed a 12 month conditional registration order.

Under its terms, Miss Jones must submit medical evidence every three months to the council to prove she remains drug free.

Any potential teaching employer must also be given the medical reports, and a copy of the disciplinary order.

Committee chairman Peter Williams said: "We believe these conditions will protect pupils, fellow teachers and the public."

He said possessing Class A drugs was "fundamentally incompatible" with continuing as a teacher.

"However, we don't believe Miss Jones poses a significant risk of repeating this behaviour.

"There's evidence Miss Jones has taken steps to prevent such behaviour recurring," Mr Williams added.