Staff morale ‘low’ at troubled school for special needs
SIX teaching assistants have been suspended from a crisis-hit special needs school in the past 18 months, with staff morale said to be “very low”.
Two of those suspended at Ysgol Pendalar in Caernarfon have been sacked.
A well-placed source claimed morale among staff members at the school, which has 90 pupils, is ebbing due to what they perceive as “poor leadership”.
However, Gwynedd Council say they have “robust procedures” to address issues brought to their attention.
But the source, who asked not to be named, said: “There is no guidance or consistency in dealing with discipline and concerns are not promptly dealt with. There is a failing in communication between management and staff, with senior classroom assistants targeted for speaking out and telling the truth.
“Unison (the union which represents teaching assistants) are not supportive.”
In response Unison has said one staff member had declined an offer of support from the union.
The Herald understands one incident at the school saw a classroom assistant suffer severe bodily harm and an eye injury.
Members of staff want to know why the education department has not investigated the daily running of the school.
A Gwynedd Council spokesperson said: “Whilst it would not be appropriate for us to comment on any particular staffing matters, we would emphasise the council has robust procedures in place to address issues that are brought to our attention.
“These procedures are based on best practice and are agreed upon with the recognised trade unions.
“If an individual member of staff has a concern, they are encouraged to discuss it with the appropriate individual, be that their direct or senior line manager.
“All such complaints are thoroughly investigated and considered, with action taken if necessary.
“Actions may lead to a conclusion that a temporary suspension or dismissal of a staff member is necessary.”
Unison Cymru regional organiser Geoff Edkins said: “We are aware of some allegations made against staff at Ysgol Pendalar. Unison has provided and continues to provide support to our members there. We cannot discuss individual members’ cases but where members have accepted our offer of support that assistance has been given.
“In one case, an individual rejected Unison’s offer of support.
“Unison met with our members earlier this week and we are visiting again next week.
“Although our members are worried over what is going on, no concerns about a lack of support from Unison for our members at Ysgol Pendalar have been raised with us – indeed, the members seemed pleased to see us.”