Suspended teachers return to work at ‘broken’ school
BOARD CHAIRMAN CONFIRMS THAT HEAD ‘IS NO LONGER IN POST’
A GROUP of teachers suspended after a video emerged of staff and parents throwing an out-of-hours party on the grounds of a troubled school have returned to work.
Bosses at The Bollin Primary School have confirmed that five of the seven teachers disciplined following the incident have been reinstated. New leaders have also confirmed headteacher Michelle Brindle has officially left the school in Bowdon, Trafford.
It comes after Ofsted bosses published a report describing the school, in Bowdon, as ‘broken’ and ‘in tatters’ last week, following an emergency inspection.
The education watchdog has recommended The Bollin be placed in special measures because ‘it is failing to give its pupils an acceptable standard of education.’
The damning report was the latest blow following a turbulent year at the school.
It was closed ‘with immediate effect’ in March after intervention by Trafford council.
Town hall chiefs stepped in after teachers walked out on strike and former headteacher, Mrs Brindle, left against a backdrop of disputes over working conditions and unresolved grievances. A video then emerged appearing to show staff ‘celebrating’ and chanting in an apparent victory against the head.
The footage resulted in the suspension of seven members of staff.
A new headteacher, Kylie Spark, was appointed and a new interim executive board of governors was appointed.
An action plan to turn the school around has also been put in place.
Bosses said five of the seven suspended teacher returned to work on Tuesday following the Easter break.
Coun Brian Rigby, chairman of the interim executive board, said: “A number of teachers are back in school this morning. We said we would carry out our investigation as quickly as possible and we are.
“In the interest of getting the school back on its feet that enquiry is ongoing. I can confirm that Michelle Brindle is no longer in post.
“Our priority is to get the children back to a good classroom environment as soon as possible.
“I am confident we can make rapid progress.”