‘School didn’t close for financial gain’
But inquiry finds there were shortcomings
A collapsed takeover, assault allegations and fears over the safeguarding of children led to the abrupt closure of a special needs school in Perthshire, according to a sweeping inquiry.
The review also found “toxicity” between school management and PKC but moved to dismiss a “conspiracy” theory that the school was closed for financial gain.
The New School Butterstone in Dunkeld was closed with just four days warning to parents and staff in November 2018, after the Witherslack Group pulled out of a potential buyout.
Over 50 people lost their jobs and all 24 students their educational facility.
James Martin was appointed by education secretary John Swinney to lead a sevenmonth independent inquiry into the procedures adopted by the school’s board, as well as the circumstances around its closure.
The review concluded that serious allegations made against two members of staff led to the Witherslack Group scrapping its takeover bid, citing a loss of confidence in management, which may have stopped the closure.
One member was accused of striking two pupils on their arms with a book and the other of placing their hands around a pupil’s neck.
Former head teacher Bill Colley was criticised after it was ruled he did not immediately investigate the allegations, with the same complaints being made to the Care Inspectorate afterwards.
A Police Scotland criminal investigation into the incidents was dropped, but there remained concerns that the matter had not been followed up.
Mr Colley told the inquiry he did not see the allegations made in the letter as a child protection matter, and insisted that at “no point... did any pupil come to harm” during his tenure.
Mr Colley was, however, suspended following a Witherslack investigation.
Upon publishing the review, Mr Martin urged other independent schools to learn from mistakes made at Butterstone.
“I am clear that the decision to close the school became inevitable because of the financial situation it found itself in,” he said.
“To the extent that Witherslack’s decision was impacted by the safeguarding incident is more difficult to say.
“I am certain that, of the issues weighed up by Witherslack in making its decision to withdraw, its doubts about the head of school’s leadership was an important factor.
“Witherslack assert that these doubts were confirmed by the head of school’s handling of this affair.”
Mr Colley described the inquiry as a “an insult to the school community”, claiming managers are “scapegoated to cover for failings elsewhere, and notably in the regulatory authorities and Perth and
Kinross Council”.
He called for a “credible” review in response, alleging the current report is “based primarily on the opinion of those who wished the school to be closed for financial reasons”.
However, Mr Martin’s review has rejected any allegations of conspiracy.
“The actions, and inaction, have generated a great deal of controversy and strong feeling, which still persists,” Mr Martin said.
Perthshire North MSP John Swinney said: “The school’s abrupt closure was deeply regrettable and had a significant impact on pupils, families and staff.
“The review finds that child protection policies at the school were not enforced, the board’s understanding of their role was insufficient and that concerns around safeguarding were not properly investigated, which was compounded by poor working relationships.”
Green MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife Mark Ruskell added: “The breakdown in relationships between all parties and the exit of Witherslack with just four days notice massively let down vulnerable young people – this situation can never be allowed to arise again. Lessons must be learned all round.”
In a statement, the school’s former board of governors said it was grateful to James Martin for his review and admitted there were “shortcomings”.
It read: “It is evident from the findings in the report that there were shortcomings on the part of key organisations and individuals, including the board of governors.
“Individually and collectively we accept responsibility for our decision to close the school, although, as the review describes, this occurred more abruptly than we had wanted, with consequent trauma to pupils, parents and staff.
“As a board, our focus and shared purpose was to provide safe opportunities for learning for vulnerable young people and this was always our priority.
“However, the management of the school fell short in a number of areas and this is a matter of regret.
“In the aftermath of the closure and the circumstances that precipitated it, lessons must be learned, and the needs of these children recognised.”
The review is available at www.gov.scot/publications/independent-review-closurenew-school-butterstone/