Teacher at school in Wellingborough who used 'excessive force' on pupil banned and subject to prohibition order
A teacher at Weavers Academy has been banned from teaching after it was found he used ‘excessive’ force, with CCTV footage showing he grabbed a student after he had liquid sprayed in his eyes in the classroom.
The teacher, Ikechukwu ‘Ike’ Ogben, denied allegations that he grabbed the student, pushed them against the wall and caused the pupil difficulty breathing as a result. While the first allegation was proven, the latter two were not.
The student was referred to as ‘Pupil A’ during the professional conduct panel held on January 15.
At the hearing, it was decided that the level of force used by Mr Ogben, as shown in CCTV footage on January 26, 2023, was excessive and disproportionate and that there was ‘no evidence to indicate that alternative steps to de-escalate the situation had been considered or attempted.’
The panel’s report said: “The panel had regard to the extent to which Mr Ogben had shown insight into his actions and remorse shown. The panel was also mindful that, whilst the incident was serious, it was at the lower end of the spectrum in terms of harm and the length of the restraint, it being less than five seconds.
"The panel acknowledged that Mr Ogben had partially addressed his need for further training, had demonstrated remorse but his insight into his actions was not yet fully developed.
“The panel decided that the findings indicated a situation in which a review period would be appropriate and, as such, decided that it would be proportionate, in all the circumstances, for the prohibition order to be recommended with provisions for a review period of two years.”
The student, who remains unnamed, admitted their behaviour which led to Mr Ogben’s actions were unacceptable and also said in their evidence that Mr Ogben was one of their favourite teachers.
Former colleagues at the school in Wellingborough describe Mr Ogben as ‘a person of integrity’ and not his ‘unwavering commitment to the well-being of children, saying that pupils still ask after him, nearly three years since he left Weavers Academy.
Evidence submitted on behalf of Mr Ogben noted he is ‘deeply regretful of his actions’ and has acknowledged how his actions have been perceived.
It adds: “He is extremely mindful of the emotional stress and anxiety which his actions have caused to others, with particular concern to Pupil A, and that ‘there was never any intention to harm the child’.”
However, the panel expressed concerns during the hearing and said that at times during his evidence, he attempted to downplay and deflect the seriousness of his conduct and the impact of his actions, which led to inconsistencies in his evidence and indicated he had a ‘limited insight’ into the fact he had used inappropriate and excessive force.
The panel believe this poses a risk of repetition.
Ogben, 51, started teaching at the Brickhill Road school in September 2016, but is now prohibited from teaching indefinitely and is unable to teach in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children’s home in England.
The two-year review period means he is not able to appeal the decision until January 2028 at the earliest.