A TEACHER has been banned from a primary school after allegedly trying to provoke a fight with a 10-year-old pupil.

The supply teacher is also reported to have mocked another boy at Culverstone Green Primary School in Gravesham by saying he was a girl and should be wearing a dress.

Culverstone headteacher Ruth Abbott has now banned the retired supply teacher from her school.

However, in a letter to parents, she claimed that some pupils were so rowdy supply teachers have refused to take them. The letter said she was appalled at the behaviour of some children.

She states: "Some children are continually disruptive and rude; behaviour that is unacceptable."

But one parent is so disgusted by the school’s reaction she is threatening to take legal action.

Kim Austin said more should be done about the teacher’s behaviour after Kent County Council said that, despite the teacher being banned from Culverstone Green, he will still be able to teach at other primary schools.

She said: "He insulted the children. After school some of the children, all aged 10 and 11, were said to be in tears. Both the school and LEA have now allowed this teacher to walk free, free to teach children in primary education.

"I was absolutely livid and then to add insult to injury they try and blame the children."

Headteacher Mrs Abbott defended the Wrotham Road school’s actions.

She said: "The supply teacher will not be working at the school in the future. The school has taken appropriate management action. The school has the full support of the LEA in the way it has handled the situation."

A spokesperson for the NUT said it was always best to try and help teachers overcome problems they may have with maintaining discipline rather then lose a valuable resource.