EXPERT’S VIEW

Analysis by Peter Read, independent education adviser:

The letter from the chairman of governors notifying parents of Mrs Robinson’s resignation is devoid of any thanks for her services, a failure echoed by the press statement, which speaks volumes. I understand if she had not resigned, she would be facing disciplinary action. It is not clear if there has been any financial settlement, but it is likely according to precedent. So what next? KCC will no doubt be hoping that “the lessons learnt from the investigation report will aid the school in moving forward”.

How often have we heard this? KCC has made clear that not even governors will be allowed to see the results of what was no doubt a very expensive investigation.

As Mrs Robinson is to be allowed to leave the school without penalty, it is difficult to see what those lessons could be.

More than 200 complaints were considered by Prof Craig. In the absence of publication of the report, I would expect a response to be provided for each of these individually, at the very least confirming their validity or otherwise.

This cannot be brushed under the carpet. The victims are entitled to be heard.

The governing body is clearly complicit in many of the events. Indeed, there have been many such challenges from parents determined to establish the truth of what was going on, but on the surface none from a governing body which appears to have utterly failed to carry out its responsibilities by offering challenge.

I exempt from this criticism those who saw what was happening and tried to stand up for the school.

Some could not take it and resigned. Others struggled on. To all those who tried to stop the tide from an impossible position, parents should be very appreciative.

Log on to www. kentadvice.co.uk to see Mr Read’s full analysis