Paul Price, a design and technology teacher at Leasowes High School in Halesowen, has avoided a prohibition order despite leaving pupils unsupervised during a woodwork lesson to take a secret vape break amid a panic attack.
On January 25, 2024, Mr. Price briefly left his classroom while students used saws, a sanding machine, and various hand tools without adult supervision. He retreated to the metalwork storeroom to vape, describing the moment as an attempt to manage rising anxiety and stress. During this time, a cupboard containing 48 saws and other sharp tools was left unlocked.
A colleague discovered Mr. Price crouched in the storeroom, vaping and appearing guilty. He later admitted to the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) panel that he had acted out of character due to personal difficulties and mounting pressures at home.
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While the incident constituted professional misconduct by breaching safeguarding standards and the school’s no-smoking policy, the TRA panel accepted this was an isolated lapse in Mr. Price’s 12-year career. No students were harmed, but the situation created a serious risk given the dangerous equipment in use and lack of supervision.
Following the discovery, Mr. Price was suspended, dismissed by the school, and referred to the TRA. The panel heard that students had been properly trained in tool safety, but his absence compromised safe practice. Mr. Price expressed deep remorse, acknowledging that he should have sought help sooner and prioritised pupil safety over personal needs.
The decision not to prohibit Mr. Price from teaching reflects recognition of his otherwise clean record and the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the incident. However, the case serves as a stark reminder of the critical role teachers play in maintaining safety, especially when working with hazardous equipment.