FRAUDSTERS HID SPENDING FROM GOVERNORS, DEPRIVING PUPILS OF TRIPS

Current head of Phoenix Primary School, James Tibbles, said that the two fraudsters let pupils down and robbed them of opportunities, such as school trips and new musical instruments, because the money wasn’t available.

He said this week: “Yvonne Pucknell and Rob Juniper colluded with each other and hid their spending from the school and its governors.

“As soon as Frances Nation identified the unusual spending she referred her concerns to Kent County Council and, shortly thereafter, Kent Police.

“The school has fully supported and co-operated with both an internal investigation and the investigation by Kent Police and we are glad this issue is now behind us and that we can move forward.

“Rob Juniper has already repaid the money he has stolen and the school will be repaid the money stolen by Yvonne Pucknell.

“Since the discrepancies were noticed financial controls at the school have been tightened, the school’s credit cards are now closely monitored and, along with strong governance, this guarantees all monies are spent for the benefit of the children.”

Current head teacher, James Tibbles