Former Dundee primary teacher struck off for pushing pupil

A former Dundee primary teacher has been struck off for pushing a pupil.

Jeroen Van Der Kaay was newly-qualified and working at Rowantree Primary in Linlathen during his induction year in 2011 when the incident happened.

He admitted acting inappropriately towards the unidentified pupil, shouting at him, taking hold of him by the neck or shoulders as he got up from his chair and ushering him towards the door.

As he did so, Van Der Kaay pushed the boy and caused him to lose his balance and stumble.

He did not appear at a fitness to teach panel held by the General Teaching Council for Scotland.

Instead Van Der Kaay waived his right to a full hearing and agreed “freely and willingly” in writing to be removed from the official register of teachers.

It will be two years before he can apply for restoration.

The panel decided it would be inappropriate and disproportionate to refer him to the Scottish Government for consideration of a ban on working with children.