Teacher Prohibited from Classroom for Providing Steroids to Student

A science teacher who furnished a student with anabolic steroids and subsequently offered guidance on their potential impact on an Army drug examination has been barred from teaching. Michael Bedford, 39, failed to uphold professional boundaries with pupils A and B while employed at Netherwood Academy in Barnsley, as determined by a misconduct hearing. The Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) was informed that Mr. Bedford discussed confidential information with Pupil A, conveyed to them that he was “fed up at Netherwood,” and took them on an excursion without reporting it to the school. The TRA concluded that Mr. Bedford, who did not attend the hearing, had fundamentally violated the expected standard of professional conduct. The TRA was apprised that concerns regarding Mr. Bedford, who commenced his tenure at the school in 2017, were raised in April 2019, leading to his placement on management leave. The panel heard that the educator was discovered supplying oral supplements or anabolic steroids to Pupil B after the child’s parents found pills and a note bearing Mr. Bedford’s name and address. Text messages indicated Mr. Bedford arranged to meet the young person outside school to transfer the substances acquired on their behalf. He later responded to inquiries about how the substance might affect the pupil’s aspirations to join the Army. When asked if the drug would be detected, Mr. Bedford texted in reply: “u need stop them b4 ur army medical u wont pass the drugs tests with them in system [sic].” The panel was told that while Mr. Bedford was on management leave, he “delivered £150-worth of substances to Pupil B,” despite having been instructed to cease contact. A number of other allegations against him were also substantiated, including that he “gossiped” about two former employees with Pupil A, discussed confidential information and meetings with students, and disclosed details of his suspension. In a report, the TRA concluded: “It was not only the supply of substances to a pupil that was of concern, but also the pattern of behaviour of breaching professional boundaries with two pupils, and flouting an instruction not to contact pupils, to continue the same course of conduct that was under investigation. “Mr Bedford has demonstrated no insight or remorse, and the panel was concerned about the risk of repetition.” He was subsequently banned from teaching indefinitely and will not be permitted to apply for the restoration of his eligibility to teach. A spokesperson for Netherwood Academy stated that the school was “committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.” They added, “The safety and wellbeing of our students is always our top priority, and we remain vigilant in keeping children safe.” Opportunities to listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North, or submit a story for consideration were provided. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding their approach to external linking was available.