Parents have revealed their shock about a teacher of 15 years experience after he was caught fantasising about sexual relations with potential pupils.

Disgraced former Worcester teacher James Ndungu, 45, was caught in a sting operation set up by paedophile hunters, communicating in sexualised chats with 'decoys' be believed were 14-year-old girls.

The married father and churchgoer referred to the girls as 'hot', 'cute', 'sexy' and 'gorgeous' and said he wanted 'kisses and cuddles' with them.

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During one exchange of online messages Ndungu told one decoy 'it would be nice if she was at his school and he would fancy her'.

Giles Nelson, who prosecuted the case, said: "Again, he wishes the decoy was a student at his school and she could pop into his classroom and say 'hi'."

Greg McClarey, headteacher at Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College, said no previous allegations or complaints have been made about Ndungu at the school.

"Immediate action was taken when the school was alerted that a police investigation was underway, implementing our safeguarding procedures and working closely with the Police and the Local Authority," he said.

"Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College takes its safeguarding responsibilities extremely seriously and we regularly review our procedures to ensure the continued safety and well-being of our pupils.”

School's reaction to former teacher

The revelations about the former teacher, who will never be able to work in the profession again, have caused shock and outrage across Worcester and raised questions about his relationship with former pupils at Blessed Edward Oldcorne over the 15 years he taught there.

Ndungu of Hillside Close, Worcester, whose online profile was 'black teacher', was spared an immediate jail term at Worcester Crown Court on Tuesday after he communicated with two 'decoy' children set up by a vigilante group.

Tina Russell, chief executive of Worcestershire Children First, which is responsible for the delivery of children's services, said: “I understand this case will cause concern for parents and young people and I too am always concerned that any young person has experienced harm or trauma.

"Parents at the school have received a notification about this case and I want to assure all parents that employers of those who work with children and young people have the welfare and safety of children of paramount importance.

"Potential employees go through rigorous recruitment processes which include enhanced DBS and barred list checks.

"I know Worcestershire Education providers are committed to safeguarding, their staff complete regular safeguarding training and they have full engagement in our Safeguarding partnership represented through a dedicated Education Safeguarding forum.

"When any allegations come to light, we, WCF and where necessary other members of the safeguarding partnership, liaise with the education provider in question to address any immediate issues and support them through any relevant investigations and that happened in this case.”

Commenting on the Worcester News Facebook page, Jan Farrell Warriner said: "All of my children went to Blessed Edward’s. The school was well run and managed. Unfortunately, people like this are around.

"There are processes in place for dealing with known sex offenders. As parents we need to ensure our children know what to look out for and that a teacher approaching them in anything other than a professional way is unacceptable and should be reported."

Jo Wood said on the page that the school should not be held responsible as Ndungu had no previous convictions.

Jade Marie Davis wrote: "And we have to trust our children with them!! Teachers should be vetted more. The government can track everything else we do, but they can’t track paedos and stop them being able to work with children?"

Rachel Foley wrote: "Unfortunately not the school's fault what someone does in their home life. It's a great school and has done well by my children. I know of no other teacher from Blessed's who this has happened with."

Ally Manton said on the page: "He was my RE teacher .. never taught us anything. Only subject I failed ... never thought he was all there."

Ndungu, who has since resigned his post, admitted two counts of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, both decoys posing as 14-year-old girls, and arranging the commission of a child sexual offence.

He worked at the school for 15 years before resigning in February following his arrest. He is now working in a warehouse on a zero-hours contract.