SAFEGUARDING experts will discuss whether lessons can be learned after a Bradford teacher was jailed for having sex with a 16-year-old pupil.

Jonathan Firth, 33, had sex with the girl on a sofa bed at his home during a "wholly inappropriate and unlawful" relationship.

Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday Firth was flattered by the sixth form student's crush on him and groomed her by meeting her in a cafe and sneaking her into the house he shared with his parents.

He sent naked photos of himself to the girl and asked her to do the same.

Firth, of Overdale Drive, Thackley, pleaded guilty to three offences of sexual activity by a person in a position of trust and one of causing a person under 18 to engage in sexual activity by a person in a position of trust, between October 1 and November 30 last year. He was jailed for 21 months.

The court heard that Firth was informal with his students and gossiped to them about other teachers. When the girl, who the court heard had not had sex before, told him she liked him, he said they could "give it a go," although he was in a four-year relationship with a woman teacher.

The girl is now 17. She and her school cannot be identified.

COMMENT: NO EXCUSE FOR BEHAVIOUR OF GIRL’S TEACHER

The court heard how Firth and the girl kissed and held hands while watching films at his home. They had sex on one occasion.

Prosecutor Rebecca Young said that when Firth was told the girl's mother knew she had an older boyfriend, he stopped contacting her. He was arrested in March after the school found out about the relationship, and was suspended. He resigned immediately.

Jailing him, Judge Jonathan Rose told Firth parents expected children to be safe at school and he had "shattered those expectations".

"She was a child," the judge told him.

"You were considerably older than her; a man of education, intelligence and training, perfectly aware of how inappropriate the relationship was.

"This was not merely an abuse of trust, but taking advantage of the thrall in which you were held by this child."

Firth was ordered to sign on the sex offenders' register for ten years and a Sexual Offences Prevention Order bans him from working with children.

After the case, Detective Constable Naomi Brown, of the Bradford District Safeguarding Unit, said: "Firth had a responsibility for the welfare and safety of the young people in his care. He chose to abuse his position of trust and pursue an inappropriate relationship with a pupil.

"I would like to thank the victim for her courage in reporting these offences.

"Any such allegations against a teacher or other professional working with children will be sensitively and thoroughly investigated."

Councillor Ralph Berry, the Council's executive member for children's services, said Firth's actions were every parent's worst nightmare.

"I feel for the family of the girl.

"As the father of a daughter not far short of that age, we expect our children to be appropriately tutored, led, cared for and supported," he said. "We have to remind everybody that teachers are in a position of considerable power and influence over young people in the formative stages of their lives. It is extremely important there is clarity about the boundaries and rules that are in place."

Cllr Berry said that after every such incident there was a "learning of the lessons exercise," which would be done at the Safeguarding Board.

He added: "I have been advised that the school acted properly and used all the right procedures.

"There isn't a measure to predict someone is going to do this. It's never going to be possible to stop it completely.

"We should be looking at the issue of teacher training, recruitment and selection to make sure they have appropriate assessment, and understanding about their crucial role."

The school's head teacher said the safety of pupils was the priority.

"All school staff are fully trained in safeguarding and are aware that any concern is reported immediately. Safeguarding training forms part of induction and is an annual requirement for all staff.

“We have provided support to the student concerned throughout this period and will continue to do so."

The school's chairman of governors said: "As soon as the incident came to light the member of staff was suspended and was not allowed on school premises or to have contact with pupils.

“I have every confidence that the safeguarding of the students is paramount in the work of the school.”

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