Primary school teacher who slapped child across face claimed she ‘lost her balance’

Hall Cliffe Primary School, Wakefield - (Google)

A primary school teacher who was convicted of slapping one of her pupils across the face has been banned from teaching indefinitely.

Helena Eckles, 53, who had taught at Hall Cliffe Primary School, Wakefield, since November 2023, was convicted at Leeds Magistrates Court for "assault by beating" in March last year, and has now been prohibited from teaching.