Educator fired over alleged grooming behaviour hired at public primary school

However, he has since been hired at a public primary school in Launceston.

The educator's dismissal letter, viewed by The Examiner, summarised the outcome of the school's investigation and concluded his continued employment was not in the best interest of students or the school.

The investigation was prompted by allegations he had contacted current and previous students through social media on numerous occasions, with the intent to establish personal relationships.

In Tasmania, both public and private schools are required to report allegations of misconduct, including grooming, to the Office of the Independent Regulator (OIR).

A statement from the OIR said under their legislation, the "Head of Relevant Entity" of a school, such as a principal or Safeguarding Officer, was legally required to notify the regulator within three business days of becoming aware of child safety concerns.

The Examiner asked the private school if it had informed any external child safety bodies, including the Tasmanian education department, about the educator's alleged conduct following his dismissal.

For legal and privacy reasons, the principal of the private school said they could not comment on specific staffing matters.

However, the principal said the school had policies and procedures that provided a "robust framework" for immediate action, mandatory reports, and investigations when student-related concerns arose.

The Examiner asked the Tasmanian Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP), as the body responsible for public schools, if it was aware of the reasons behind the educator's dismissal.

A DECYP spokesperson said they could not comment on individual employment matters, but confirmed DECYP job applicants were required to sign an "Application Declaration and Consent form".

The form included a series of questions around child-safe behaviours, and any declared issues would be escalated for further assessment.

The spokesperson confirmed that anyone working with children must hold a current Tasmanian Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) card before commencing work.

The Department of Justice was asked about the status of the educator's WWVP card, but the Registrar for Registration to Work with Vulnerable People said it was unable to share information relating to individual matters.

The dismissal letter said the private school felt "particularly troubled" by how the educator's communications had affected a student who was current at the time.

"[Student] has advised that she is now nervous and worried about walking to her car and seeing you, after receiving your communications," the letter said.

"The school has a duty of care to students, and I consider that your conduct has put this obligation - and [student's] safety at school - at risk.

"I do not have trust and confidence that if your employment continued, you would meet the school's expectations or conduct yourself in a manner that does not pose an unacceptable risk to student safety."

It said the male employee had not shown "insight into or accountability for" his alleged actions, and the appropriate course of action was to terminate his employment.

The letter noted that he supervised school camps and interacted with students who were isolated and vulnerable.