A former headteacher who got changed in front of pupils and bought trainers for his lover's child using school funds risked the reputation of his school, a committee heard.

Howard Nicholson twice inappropriately changed in front of King Athelstan Primary School pupils before and after swimming lessons.

He also bought a pair of trainers using school funds for a pupil whose mother he had been dating.

Mr Nicholson was suspended from duty on November 10, 2006, and was later dismissed by Kingston Council in August 2007.

The revelations came after a professional conduct committee hearing handed down a reprimand for unacceptable professional conduct, but stopped short of making a disciplinary order.

A Kingston Council spokesman said no pupils received counselling as a result of Mr Nicholson’s suspension or dismissal and his departure had no direct effect on academic results.

Fiona Tankard, who was chairing the hearing, said the committee took into account Mr Nicholson’s previous good character, professional commitment and the remorse he had shown.

She said they considered making a disciplinary order but decided this would not be in the interests of pupils, the public or the profession.

She said: "His actions had the potential to damage not only his own reputation but also the reputations of his school and the profession at large."

At the hearing on Thursday, September 22, the committee heard that when Mr Nicholson was challenged for changing in front of pupils, he admitted he had shown poor judgement.

To avoid future issues, Mr Nicholson said a different teacher and teaching assistant would take over swimming responsibilities, but he was later found to be taking pupils swimming regularly.

A formal council agreement to refrain from all swimming duties was made in April 2006.

The committee also heard Mr Nicholson bought a pair of trainers from school funds for a pupil whose mother he had been in a relationship with since 2006. His failure to declare this interest meant he did not comply with the council’s code of practice.

The reprimand will remain on Mr Nicholson’s register for two years.

A council spokesman said: "The council recognises the role of the General Teaching Council in sustaining the highest standards of teaching and conduct within schools and would therefore support the decision it has made."