Showing posts with label Howell's School Wales. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Howell's School Wales. Show all posts

Monday, August 05, 2013

Howell's School Wales, Closure

Howell's School Wales, Closure

Reading about this school  and the tribunal hearings:


In June 2012 Rebecca Raven, an art teacher, won an unfair dismissal case against the school after an application for maternity leave.

The school claimed that Mrs Raven had been employed to cover a teacher with long term sickness who had since decided not to return.

A subsequent audit had shown only a part time post was required, which Mrs Raven declined.

They had been unaware that she was pregnant.

However the tribunal believed the real cause was the “extremely precarious” state of the school finances and that the school did not want to "waste money on maternity pay".

Dr Philip Dixon, of ATL Cymru, stated that: "This is an appalling example to give to pupils who are, hopefully, being educated to be young, independent women with fulfilling careers and lives. We are delighted to have won this case for Mrs Raven. It is a victory for natural justice and common sense.

"The school is considering an appeal.

In March 2013 sacked headmaster Bernie Routledge and teacher Helen Price both won their cases for unfair dismissal.

The tribunal chairman found that there was no evidence that either had deserved their sackings. He described the disciplinary procedure undergone by Mr. Routledge (which was carried out by the brother of Robbie Locke, a school trustee) as "cack-handed" and "chaotic", saying the panel felt the dismissals were as a result of issues raised by Mr Routledge regarding the conduct of a member of staff (Sarah Hickman) who was a good friend of the Robbie and Nicola Locke (both trustees of the school) who allegedly pressured staff to fill out inspection questionnaires dishonestly. Mr Routledge also aired concerns about irregularities in pension payments. The head teacher told the tribunal that during a break Nicola Locke had called him a paedophile.The tribunal ruled that both teachers were entitled to "substantial" damages

"cack-handed" and "chaotic" a perfect description for how Rutland County Council and Oakham
Town Council are run. 

I can only assume its a very Welsh thing when reading what Nicola Locke called the head teacher.
Thinking of Cllr Lucas and her mob at RCC.