TEACHERS in Flintshire could soon be asked to swear an oath pledging not to form inappropriate relationships with pupils, under a controversial motion set to be considered by the local council.

The proposal, due to be debated by Flintshire County Council in Mold on Tuesday, would require teachers and school staff to make a formal declaration in front of a manager, affirming they will not engage in intimate relationships with students. This comes in the wake of the high-profile case of former headteacher Neil Foden, who was sentenced to 17 years in prison in July after being found guilty of sexually abusing four girls during his tenure in Gwynedd.

The motion, submitted by Councillor Gladys Healey, a member of the Labour Party representing Hope, aims to introduce stronger safeguards to protect children from the risk of abuse by teachers. Healey argues that despite existing safeguarding measures, such as the code of professional conduct established by the Education Workforce Council, incidents of abuse and inappropriate relationships involving educators persist.

“The council acknowledges that even with safeguarding training and a strict professional code, there are still cases where teachers abuse their position,” Councillor Healey stated. “The council deplores such actions, which rob children of their innocence and bring the profession into disrepute.”

If passed, the measure would see all current and future education staff in Flintshire required to take the oath, reinforcing their commitment to the safeguarding of students.

However, the proposal has sparked outrage from teaching unions, who argue that it is unnecessary and an insult to the profession. The National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) expressed its strong opposition, with Neil Butler, the union’s national official for Wales, describing the motion as damaging to the reputation of teachers.

“This motion serves only to bring the teaching profession into disrepute,” Butler said. “Teachers in Wales are already bound by the Education Workforce’s code of practice, which clearly outlines their duty of care for the safety and wellbeing of learners. Those who breach this code face serious disciplinary consequences, including dismissal. Introducing an additional oath shows a shocking contempt for the profession.”

The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) has taken a more measured stance, expressing a willingness to engage in discussions about the proposal. Claire Armitstead, ASCL Cymru’s director, stated: “We share the horror felt at the case that has prompted this motion. We are open to considering any proposal aimed at improving safeguarding measures for young people, and we welcome further discussions with Councillor Healey on this matter.”

A child practice review is currently underway, led by the North Wales Safeguarding Board, following Foden’s conviction. Cyngor Gwynedd, the local authority where the offences took place, has pledged full cooperation with the review, which is seen as a crucial step in strengthening protections for vulnerable children in North Wales.

Responding as Flintshire County Council debates a motion calling for teachers and school staff to be asked to pledge in front of a manager not to form intimate relationships with students, Laura Doel, national secretary at NAHT Cymru, said:

“Everyone in the teaching profession was appalled by the abhorrent abuse perpetrated in Gwynedd, and our thoughts are with the victims.

“There are already strict safeguarding procedures in place to protect children and ensuring they are adhered to by all is the most appropriate and effective way to deal with any concerns, not to mention perpetrators facing criminal prosecution. We need meaningful action that strengthens safeguarding, not symbolic gestures that do not keep children safe.

“I am deeply disturbed to hear that a proposal to consider asking teachers to take an oath is being considered, let alone discussed. This sends the wrong message to the public and not only does it bring the whole profession into disrepute, it is an insult to the thousands of dedicated teachers and leaders who go above and beyond for their learners, their schools and the communities they serve.

“To enforce something like this insinuates all teachers and leaders cannot be trusted, and our learners are not safe in their care. That is simply not true and grossly unfair to the profession.

“Asking them to swear an oath promising not to abuse children will achieve nothing and risks undermining the trust between teachers, school leaders, and families.”

REPORTS of illegal vape sales to teenagers in Wales have skyrocketed by 57% over the past year, with new data revealing that underage sales are reported to local authorities almost daily. However, despite the growing number of reports, only a fraction of offenders face fines, prompting calls for tougher enforcement.

According to figures obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, Welsh councils received reports of underage vape sales nearly every day last year. Yet, only one in 20 sellers were issued penalties, with fines totalling just £1,250 across the country—far below the maximum penalty of £2,500 per offence.

The data, published in the 2024 Underage Vape Sales Report, analysed responses from 138 local authorities across the UK and was compiled by Vape Club, a leading vaping retailer. The report highlights the urgent need for the government to introduce a Vape Retailer and Distributor Licensing framework to combat the illegal market and prevent the sale of vapes to children.

Worst-affected areas

Among the Welsh local authorities, Rhondda Cynon Taf topped the list with 70 reports of illegal vape sales to minors. Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council reported 46 cases, while Caerphilly and the Isle of Anglesey each recorded 31 incidents. Cyngor Gwynedd Council followed with 24 reports.

Across the UK, over 4,500 reports of underage vape sales were recorded in the past year, equivalent to one every two hours, representing a 31% increase on the previous year.

Calls for tougher penalties

Dan Marchant, Director of Vape Club, the UK’s largest vape retailer, stressed the need for more robust measures to deter illegal sales. He called on the government to support local authorities in enforcing stricter penalties for offenders.

“The government needs to support local councils in enforcing stricter penalties. While some progress is being made, it’s clear that there’s still plenty more that can be done to tackle the issue of underage vape sales in Wales,” Mr Marchant said.

He also advocated for the introduction of a licensing framework, which he argued could generate £50 million annually for Trading Standards, without increasing the tax burden on the public. The additional funds would allow for stricter enforcement and higher fines, which are currently well below the maximum permitted amount.

“Rogue retailers face little risk of being caught, and the current fines are simply too low,” Marchant added. “We would like to see fines raised to at least £10,000, with even higher penalties for repeat offenders.”

Council response

Local councils have acknowledged the growing problem, with Councillor Michelle Symonds, cabinet member for regeneration, housing, and public protection at Merthyr Tydfil Council, urging residents to report any suspected illegal sales.

“We have seen an increase in more young people experimenting with vapes. It is not acceptable to sell vapes to anyone underage. I encourage our communities to report any trader that they believe is selling vapes to our youths,” Cllr Symonds said.

Despite the mounting concerns, enforcement remains weak. With fines often falling far below the maximum penalty and few offenders being prosecuted, calls for reform are growing louder across the country.

The issue of youth vaping continues to be a pressing public health concern, and both industry leaders and local authorities are pushing for stronger regulatory measures to address the rising tide of underage sales in Wales and beyond.

A MILFORD HAVEN man is due to appear in court in connection with a series of historical sexual offences against minors spanning several decades.

Alan Roberts, 74, of Hakin, Milford Haven, has been charged with multiple counts of indecent assault on girls under the age of 14 and gross indecency.

Roberts, born on 19th August 1950, will attend a mention hearing at 2:00 pm in relation to numerous charges. The offences are said to have taken place between 1976 and 2001, with the victims remaining anonymous under the Sexual Offences Amendment Act 1992.

The charges against Roberts include several counts of indecent assault, some occurring on multiple occasions, as well as gross indecency with a child under 14. The prosecution alleges these incidents occurred at various times in the Hakin area of Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire.

The charges have been brought under the Sexual Offences Act 1956 and the Indecency with Children Act 1960, which were in force at the time of the alleged offences. The maximum penalties for these offences include a prison sentence of up to six months and an unlimited fine. Roberts has already indicated guilty pleas in connection to the charges, with a formal conviction recorded on 9th July 2024.

The hearing on 9th July had been adjourned to allow the prosecution to bring further charges. It is understood that Roberts will face additional counts as investigations continue. The offences, allegedly occurring over several years, have the earliest incidents dating back to 1976 and the most recent in 2018.

This case is expected to be closely followed, given the serious nature of the allegations and the historic timeline involved. Further developments in court are anticipated as the legal proceedings progress.

The hearing comes amidst increasing awareness of and sensitivity to historic sexual abuse cases in the UK, with authorities keen to bring justice to survivors regardless of when the offences occurred.