Pupils with extra needs ‘mocked’ by teachers

A GROUP of teachers has been given ‘additional training’ after it emerged they sent ‘abusive and degrading’ WhatsApp messages about disabled school children.

Concerns were raised about the messages exchanged at a number of Aberdeenshire schools in 2018.

The Children and Young People’s Commissioner had written to the council saying that the children’s parents should have been informed.

The letter said: ‘These messages contained unprofessional, abusive and degrading references to children with additional support needs.

‘The conduct of the professionals involved is a serious concern in relation to any child, but particularly so where vulnerable disabled children are involved.’

Aberdeenshire Council said it had ensured that ‘staff received additional training... including appropriate guidance about use of online platforms.’

A council spokesman said: ‘Any child protection concern raised with us is always properly reviewed by social work colleagues and investigated alongside appropriate partner organisations where necessary.

‘At no point were any children considered to be at risk of harm, and that is why no contact was made with parents.’