In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that Maddalena Reina, then 41, the principal and head of safeguarding at William Morris School, Walthamstow, London, was banned from the teaching profession. On appearing before the Teaching Regulation Agency in Coventry, it was reported that Reina had secretly dated a convicted paedophile and allowed him onto the premises of the special needs academy for an entire school day. The court reported that the school, which caters to 250 pupils aged two to 19 with complex needs including autism, was placed at significant risk by her actions.
The investigation established that Reina not only allowed the sexual predator into the vicinity of vulnerable children but also provided him with her work iPad. Metropolitan Police reported that this device contained sensitive and confidential material regarding the pupils. The prosecution reported that Reina then lied to the authorities when initially questioned, claiming the offender had never visited the school, before later admitting to the “inexcusable” breach of trust in Walthamstow, Greater London.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that the relationship only came to light in 2017 when the sex offender was legally required to disclose to police that he and Reina were planning a holiday together. The Teaching Regulation Agency heard how Reina, as the safeguarding lead, was a role model who fell “significantly short” of professional standards. The prosecution reported that while the panel considered her 18-year “unblemished career,” her conduct was at the “more serious end of the spectrum” due to the vulnerability of the children involved in Walthamstow, London.
Panel chair Mary Speakman noted that the fact a known sex offender was granted access to both pupils and a school iPad was a matter of “grave concern.” For her actions in Walthamstow, Greater London, Reina was found guilty of unacceptable professional conduct and was prohibited from teaching indefinitely. The judge noted that her failure to disclose the relationship and her subsequent dishonesty to the police were primary factors in the decision to remove her from the classroom.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For her professional misconduct in England, Maddalena Reina was handed:
- Prohibition Order: Banned from teaching in any school, sixth form college, or children’s home.
- Review Period: Indefinite ban (may apply to set aside after a minimum of two years).
- Judicial Oversight: Decision made by the Teaching Regulation Agency in Coventry.
- DBS Status: Name added to the list of prohibited teachers.
- Origin: Walthamstow, London (Relocated to Turnford, Hertfordshire).
Monitoring and Public Protection
Reina is managed by the Teaching Regulation Agency and the Department for Education to ensure she does not re-enter the teaching workforce. Due to her decision to allow a convicted paedophile access to an academy for pupils with special needs in Walthamstow, London, her professional status is subject to permanent oversight.
As a prohibited teacher, Reina is legally barred from any position of trust within the UK education system. Authorities state that her “grave” safeguarding failure necessitates that she remains out of the profession to protect vulnerable children from further potential exposure to predators. Any attempt to return to teaching or working in a regulated environment in Walthamstow, Turnford, or elsewhere without a successful appeal would result in immediate legal consequences.
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