Scandal of Drug Smuggler Teaching Children Sparks Regulatory Review

An investigation by journalist Suzanne Antelme revealed that Laura Horton, a convicted drug smuggler, had been teaching children through Remedicare, an alternative education provider based in Wokingham. Horton, who was sentenced to two years and two months in prison for supplying the Class B drug Spice to inmates, was involved with Remedicare after her conviction. She was listed as the director of the company when it was founded in June 2023, despite being charged in October 2024 and pleading guilty in May 2025.

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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addressed the scandal during a visit to St Anne's Catholic Primary School in Caversham, stating, “In this particular case, I think the individual has been convicted and it’s obviously a terrible case... we’re putting in a tighter safeguard procedure and guidelines.” Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson confirmed that the government is collaborating with Ofsted to investigate the situation, emphasizing the need for regulatory oversight of alternative education providers like Remedicare.

‘It’s a terrible case’: Prime Minster Keir Starmer on Reading drug smuggler teaching children scandal

Remedicare was able to operate without regulation as it is classified as an 'unregistered' alternative provision, which exempts it from standard school regulations and Ofsted inspections. The scandal has prompted discussions about the regulation of out-of-school settings and unregistered alternative provisions. The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill is currently progressing through Parliament, aiming to enhance child safeguarding measures in schools and alternative education settings.

‘It’s a terrible case’: Prime Minster Keir Starmer on Reading drug smuggler teaching children scandal

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill is in the report stage in the House of Lords and is expected to receive Royal Assent from King Charles III once approved. This legislation is anticipated to address the gaps in oversight that allowed Horton to teach vulnerable children despite her criminal background.

‘It’s a terrible case’: Prime Minster Keir Starmer on Reading drug smuggler teaching children scandal

The incident has raised significant concerns among parents and stakeholders regarding the safety and oversight of alternative education providers. Parents have expressed shock and concern over the lack of regulatory measures that permitted such a situation to occur. The need for stricter guidelines and oversight has become a focal point in discussions surrounding child safety in educational settings.

‘It’s a terrible case’: Prime Minster Keir Starmer on Reading drug smuggler teaching children scandal

As the investigation by Ofsted unfolds, further scrutiny of Remedicare and similar providers is expected. The outcomes of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill will also play a crucial role in shaping future regulations for alternative education provisions, aiming to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

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• “In this particular case, I think the individual has been convicted and it's obviously a terrible case, and as I understand, they're not involved in the provision of education anymore, but that is really in terms of the safeguards, we're putting in a tighter safeguard procedure and guidelines.” — Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister

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• “We're working with Ofsted on this, and it's right that they now investigate the situation.” — Bridget Phillipson, Education Secretary

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