Teacher sacked over internet blog

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/manchester/6510535.stm

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A psychology teacher has been sacked from a college in Greater Manchester for posting "inappropriate messages" to pupils on her internet blog.

Catherine Young-Southward, 37, was suspended from Hyde Clarendon College after it was revealed she also allowed students to stay overnight at her home.

The mother-of-three, who had taught at the college for two years, was suspended after a parent complained.

She said: "I completely stand by the fact that I have done nothing wrong."

She added: "It's heartbreaking and it's unfair. It's sad that you can no longer be the type of teacher students remember with affection, that you can't show warmth - just teach your course and go home."

Mrs Young-Southward has been given 10 days to appeal against the decision. If her appeal is unsuccessful, she plans to take bosses to an employment tribunal.

During the disciplinary hearing on Thursday she was asked to explain messages posted on her personal MySpace internet page, encouraging pupils to believe there were "no real boundaries".

'Modern approach'

She was also asked about an allegation that she took five pupils to a city centre bar before allowing them to stay at her home in Macclesfield.

Responding to the allegations ahead of the hearing, Mrs Young-Southward, said the venue was a cafe, rather than a bar.

She admitted that allowing pupils to stay at her home was "a mistake", but said her husband and children were at home and the students had informed their parents.

Mrs Young-Southward said her "modern approach to communicating with pupils" had been misconstrued by the college.

Pupils at the school have set up a petition to try to get her reinstated.

No-one from the college was available for comment.