Today, Thursday 24 January, Ceredigion County Council has published the report of an independent investigation into management and staff relations at Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi. The investigation, was initially launched after issues were raised by former staff members at the school.
The investigation found no evidence of bullying or intimidation, and made the following recommendations:
1. Work with staff to recognise their contribution in making Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi a successful school. Continue to develop a team ethos.
2. Review existing monitoring procedures, especially learning walks and pupil voice. Consider these under current workload guidance and in the context of being a successful school.
3. Work with staff to establish a culture and process to enable staff concerns to be voiced and addressed in a constructive manner.
4. Remind staff of the school’s Social Media Policy and advice provided by trade unions and the Education Workforce Council (EWC).
5. Further develop a team ethos by distributing leadership and involving wider staff in processes such as monitoring to avoid a perception of the Headteacher as the sole driver of school improvement.
The Council is committed to working with the School Governing Body, all staff and Trade Unions in order to implement these recommendations.
The Leader of Ceredigion County Council, Councillor Ellen ap Gwynn said, “The council takes any concerns about the conduct of all school staff very seriously, which is why we have commissioned an independent investigation into issues raised by current and former staff members.”
“Standards at Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi have improved dramatically in recent years, providing excellent educational outcomes to thousands of pupils. We are very grateful to the head teacher, her leadership group and all staff at the school, whose hard work has been central to improving standards.”
“However, for the school to work effectively, we want to make sure that all staff feel valued. With that in mind we will work with the school to carry out all recommendations that the independent report has made. We are committed to working with all staff and their unions to continue Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi’s success as a flourishing school.”
The Council works closely with teaching unions and appreciates their role as advocates for teaching staff in Ceredigion schools. It is regrettable that the NASUWT teachers’ union has chosen to take strike action at Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi prior to the publishing of the findings of the investigation. However, it is hoped that constructive talks will continue with the NASUWT in order to find a resolution and avoid their further planned action on Tuesday 05 February, Wednesday 06 February, Tuesday 12 February, Wednesday 13 February and Thursday 14 February.
The full report of the independent investigation can be viewed on the following link: http://www.ceredigion.gov.uk/media/4916/investigation-report-yua.pdf
24/01/2019