FORMER KENT TEACHER BANNED INDEFINITELY FOR SENDING EXPLICIT MESSAGES TO CHILD
Lee Startup, 50, a former teacher at Ursuline College in Westgate-on-Sea, has been subjected to an indefinite ban from teaching in England following his conviction for sending sexually explicit messages to a minor.Startup was employed as the curriculum leader for geography at Ursuline College since 2016.
He was arrested in 2021 and in January 2022, he was found guilty of engaging in sexual communication with a child.
His sentence included 12 months in prison, suspended for 24 months, and a 10-year sexual harm prevention order, as well as a 10-year requirement to register as a sex offender.
Despite the offense not involving any pupil from his school, he was suspended and is no longer employed by the school or the Trust.
The Teaching Regulation Agency panel deemed that a prohibition from teaching was proportionate and appropriate.
The TRA report highlighted that Startup posed 'as someone under half his age' and engaged in 'sexualised communication with a real child.' During sentencing, the judge stated that the messages were explicit and indicative of a sexual interest in children.
The panel noted the absence of remorse or insight from Startup and observed that he had not demonstrated steps to minimize future risks.
The panel also concluded that this misconduct breached the Teachers’ Standards, emphasizing the importance of protecting pupils and maintaining public confidence in the profession.
The decision maker, David Oatley, said the prohibition was necessary to safeguard the public and prevent the risk of repetition due to the lack of insight from Startup.
The Kent Catholic Schools Partnership expressed that they were aware of a serious misconduct allegation against Startup in late August 2020, which led to his suspension from work.
Startup has been approached for comment.
