Teacher dragged pupil across floor 'like a teddy'

A primary school teacher who dragged a crying pupil across the floor "like a child dragging a teddy" and shouted at her in a manner that shocked colleagues has been banned from teaching.

Georgina Graham, 48, who worked at Hunningley Primary School in Barnsley, also grabbed another pupil by the wrists, lifted him off the ground, and dropped him on the floor.

Graham, who was the Early Years Foundation Stage lead, used inappropriate and excessive force against two vulnerable pupils, a Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) misconduct panel found.

A spokesperson for the school said Graham was suspended immediately when the incidents occurred on 17 March 2023.

During a hearing in November 2025, the outcome of which was published this month, the TRA was told Pupil A had become upset in the dining hall during lunch time and had been comforted by staff before Graham intervened.

The teacher, who had worked at the school since 2014, walked up to the child, bent down "at eye level" and shouted "stop making that silly noise", the panel heard.

Witnesses said while Graham was attempting to move Pupil A, who was on the ground in a foetal position, Graham shouted "You do not say no to adults".

One witness said she had been on the other side of the hall and that Graham's shouting "took her breath away".

During the school's investigation, Graham stated she had used a firm, loud voice because it was loud in the hall.

Graham was then seen shouting at Pupil A to get up and dragging the screaming and crying child across the floor by one hand "almost like a child dragging a teddy or doll along the floor behind them".

When colleagues tried to intervene, Graham said words to the effect of "I'm your boss, I'll do it if I want to do it, you can't stop me".

During the school's investigation, Graham admitted using physical contact but stated she had dragged Pupil A "slightly and gently".

The panel found Graham had used inappropriate or excessive force.

Shortly after, witnesses also saw Graham grabbing another child, Pupil B, by his wrists and dragging him into the hall, where she dropped him on the floor, stating "you can stay there, on the floor" as Pupil B sat and cried.

Graham's actions negatively affected both children, the panel was told.

"Despite Ms Graham being an experienced teacher with appropriate training in reducing challenging behaviour and positive handling, she used inappropriate and excessive force on two children who had particular vulnerabilities," the panel said.

The panel noted that the police were informed of both incidents, but no further criminal action was taken against Graham.

Graham did not provide any statements about her own character but one witness described her as capable of "beautiful" and caring interactions with children, highly experienced and supportive.

Graham was banned from teaching indefinitely by the panel but can apply for the order to be lifted in January 2029.

A spokesperson for Hunningley Primary Academy said: "As soon as these incidents occurred we immediately suspended the member of staff and cooperated fully with the investigating authorities.

"The safety and wellbeing of our pupils is our utmost priority and we will continue to do all we can to ensure our school remains as safe as possible for our children."

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North