A TEACHER has been suspended for six months after admitting accessing "inappropriate material" on a school laptop.

Daniel Pothecary, a former teacher at King John School in Thundersley, admitted accessing personal e-mails during classes and inappropriate material on the internet from April to November 2006.

He also allowed students to use the laptop and gave them his password.

Yesterday, the General Teaching Council was told Mr Pothecary's actions were "stupid".

He did not attend the hearing in Birmingham where Joan Costello, deputy headteacher at King John, was a witness.

In the findings Minna Nathoo, chairman of the committee, said: "The committee determined that a suspension order appropriately balanced the public interest against those of the teacher.

"It is unacceptable to access inappropriate material during school time on school property.

"However, the teacher recognises that he was stupid' and in this regard appears to have demonstrated insight."

The committee also found there was a lack of support for the teacher to ensure he was fully aware of the school's internet and e-mail policy.

It was expected there should have been blocks on the computer to prevent access to inappropriate material.

Ms Nathoo said: "We judge that the particulars we have found proven amount to unacceptable professional conduct.

"It considers that Mr Pothecary's conduct was both conduct that fell short of the standard expected of a registered teacher and involved a breach of propriety expected of the profession.

"He failed to take reasonable care of pupils under his supervision with the aim of ensuring their safety and welfare and, further, nature of his behaviour brought the reputation and standing of the profession into serious disrepute."

Mr Pothecary has a right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.