An "exemplary" teacher who drank vodka at school and was convicted of drink-driving has been banned from the classroom for four months. Danielle Fleming "self-medicated" with alcohol rather than getting the help she needed for pressure at work and home, a professional standards committee heard.

Her actions were a matter of public interest and concern as Fleming had put herself, her son, learners, colleagues, and the public at risk, said Peter Owens, chair of the Education Workforce Council (EWC) panel. He said it was too serious a lapse to warrant less than striking her off the teaching register temporarily and she needed time to reflect.

Fleming, former director of expressive arts at Maesteg School, lost her job after colleagues found her "incoherent", smelling of alcohol, and with vomit on her clothes after the vodka-drinking episode on May 4, 2023. The school middle manager was meant to be overseeing a GCSE year 11 practical textiles exam leaving other staff to rally around getting the materials needed for that and no regard for learner outcomes, the hearing was told. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter.

Seven months later she got behind the wheel with her son in her car after downing half a bottle of wine in December 2023, the virtual fitness to practise hearing was told. Fleming was found to be three times over the drink-drive limit in the incident which involved a collision with another vehicle and for which she was convicted at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates' Court in February 2024.

Apologising profusely and admitting all the allegations before the committee Fleming said she had been in "an incredibly dark place". She had put herself under pressure to be the perfect teacher, wife, and mother to the point she broke down, she said.

The panel found she did not get training and support needed when she had been promoted from classroom teacher to director of learning for the expressive arts in 2021 some 12 years after she started working at Maesteg School. Fleming said she appeared organised on the outside but lacked confidence and felt "under scrutiny" when she returned to work in March 2023 after taking some time off.

She had found it challenging dealing with some colleagues who were negative about plans for the new curriculum. But in glowing testimonies head teacher Helen Jones and assistant head teacher Kate Hopkins-Sparkes described Fleming as a "visionary" and "exemplary" employee. However she had unfounded "imposter syndrome" after being promoted, Mrs Jones told the panel.

Parts of the hearing were held in private but panel chair Mr Owens alluded to Fleming being under personal pressures at the time and said she had also drunk gin at Maesteg Comprehensive in January 2023 before events on May 4 that year. The teacher said she had not had the risk assessment needed before she returned to work, felt worried about upcoming exams, and had not slept the night before she was found intoxicated in her classroom by colleagues.

Fleming admitted allegations that she attended work on May 4, 2023, under the influence of alcohol and/or consumed alcohol whilst on school premises and that this amounted to unacceptable professional conduct. She also admitted that on February 26, 2024, she was convicted of drink-driving, fined £814, and disqualified from driving for 25 months.

Finding all those allegations proven on the last day of the EWC hearing on January 23 the panel struck her off the teaching register for four months after which she may re-apply but only on two conditions which will remain for two years. Fleming may not apply for middle or senior manager roles in education, is restricted to class teacher roles only, and must also tell any prospective employer the panel's decision before accepting any new employment.

Mr Owens told Fleming her actions had fallen far short of the conduct expected by education professionals on the EWC register. She had "put her own child at risk" and her actions raised public interest and public safety concerns.

He said: "Fleming made a deliberate choice to act in the way she did, albeit influenced by personal issues at the time." But weighed against that she had a previously clean record, provided positive references, had insight into her actions which she apologised for, and had sought help.

Striking Fleming off temporarily, the panel chair wished her well. He said: "I wish Mrs Fleming every success along the lines you enjoyed as a classroom teacher, prior to these unfortunate events, and every good wish for happiness, joy, and contentment in your personal life." Fleming has the right to appeal the decision to the High Court within 28 days.