AN ART teacher who insulted pupils and confronted a parent is being sent on a behaviour course to improve his conduct.

Lee Warren, formerly of James Hornsby High School, in Laindon, was found guilty of unacceptable professional conduct over the incidents involving a parent and two pupils at the school.

He was cleared of allegations that he told another female pupil he would “knock her out”.

Mr Warren appeared before the General Teaching Council’s professional conduct committee.

The behaviour management course he must attend will particularly deal with his response to challenging pupils.

The incidents took place within a few months of each other after Mr Warren joined the school in 2006.

He admitted speaking inappropriately to a pupil on September 15, 2006 when he used the term “retard.”

Less than a month later, on October 10, he said to another pupil they should have a brick dropped on their head.

He was cleared of another incident on October 30 in which he allegedly told a female pupil he would “knock her out”.

Mr Warren was in trouble again on November 6, 2006, when he became embroiled in a row with a parent after confiscating their daughter’s mobile phone in a lesson.

The pupil used a friend’s mobile to call her dad, who came to the school, in St Nicholas Lane, to speak to Mr Warren. At the end of the school day, Mr Warren went to reception to meet the parent, while carrying a pair of pliers, having volunteered to fix the ladies’ toilets.

A heated argument broke out witnessed by parents and staff and the committee accepted Mr Warren had told the parent, “you can stick these pliers up your ****”. The parent was then said to have responded by saying, “go on, have a go”.

The committee also said the school should have provided Mr Warren with more support.

In its report it said: “In calling a pupil a retard, the committee considered this could seriously demean and undermine pupils and, as for the remaining particulars found proved, the committee finds his behaviour put at risk the reputation and standing of the profession.”

Mr Warren must complete the course before the end of next year. He has 28 days to appeal.