Banned race-rant headteacher back teaching in Rossendale

Simon Parker, 42, was banned from the classroom for life by the General Teaching Council following an inquiry into allegations he ‘bullied and intimidated’ staff and ‘belittled‘ children in his care.

At a disciplinary hearing, the GTC was told the Essex headteacher, now head of education at Bacup Royal Court Theatre, called parents, staff and a governor offensive names and targeted a black supply teacher.

Now calls have been made for him to quit his role at the theatre, where he is also treasurer and child protection officer.

The tribunal last week heard the allegations, which Mr Parker denied, were made while he was head teacher at the Coppice Primary School, in Chigwell, Essex.

In total 26 allegations were proved against him.

In one instance he pulled his eyes sideways to impersonate a Chinese early years teacher saying, ‘Tai, Hong Kong Phooey, I can’t understand them’.

He also said allowing a Chinese person to cut his hair was a ‘disgusting thought’ and in respect of a black candidate for a deputy head teacher post he stated: “We don’t want any of those.”

Chairman of the General Teaching Council disciplinary hearing, Tony Neal said: “Mr Parker demonstrated a deep-seated contempt for members of many other races, encompassing members of his own school staff and the community beyond.

“As a head teacher, he had particular responsibility to set an example to staff and to pupils.

"Instead, he abused his position of power.

Yesterday Mr Parker, who said he was a former vice-chair of the Race and Culture Committee for the National Association of Head Teachers and lives in Waterfoot, said he was not racist and never would be.

He said: “The allegations are a consequence of a bubbly, lively and outspoken person entering a school and ruffling feathers.

“If I was that bad why did the staff wait a year to report me and why were there no complaints from parents and children?

“Concerned parents have nothing to worry about with me as there were no child protection issues, it was simply a clash of personalities.

“I am CRB checked and able to work in a public school but nobody will ever take that risk.

"I am finished with teaching, which really upsets me.

“Everybody who knows me thinks all this is crazy, a lot of the words I am accused of using are not even in my vocabulary.”

Mr Parker said he would still be teaching movement and performance skills to youngsters at an after-school club at the theatre.

Bacup Royal Court also organises summer schools for youngsters interested in the performing arts.

Mr Parker said he would be really upset if he had to stop working with the children but did not want to bring the theatre into disrepute.

He said he wanted to keep his position at the theatre and was being supported by officials at Bacup Royal Court.

Bacup Coun Jimmy Eaton said: "If he has made these type of comments then I don't think it's appropriate that he should be working with children at the theatre.

"I think the people at the theatre need to take a look at the case and decide if Mr Parker is a fit and proper person to be working there."

Rossendale MP Jake Berry said: "I would encourage the theatre to look at this man's position and decide what should happen.”

Clare Round, chair of Bacup Royal Theatre, said: "I have known Simon for 33 years and from reading the reports I do not recognise who they are talking about.

“I have never heard so much rubbish in all my life. I have no concerns whatsoever about Simon working at the theatre."

Following last week’s hearing Mr Parker has been struck off the teaching register indefinitely but he can reapply for permission to register in two years.

He had been running the 500-pupil school for 12 months when he was suspended by governors.

He has since been dismissed.

Mr Parker said he would be taking Redbridge Council to an industrial tribunal following his dismissal.

He has a right of appeal to the Queen’s Bench Division of the High Court within the 28 days over the GTC hearing.