Primary school head teacher from Weston-super-Mare suspended

By vickifitz | Tuesday, February 08, 2011, 11:15

Chris Hood courtesy of The Bristol Evening Post

A HEAD teacher from Weston-super-Mare has been suspended from his job pending the outcome of a disciplinary investigation.

Christopher Hood, head teacher at Hillside First School, in Church Road, was suspended last month.

It is understood the board of governors made the decision to suspend Mr Hood from his role and parents were informed last month.

Letters were sent home to parents saying "serious concerns" had been raised about "the leadership and management of the school" in relation to some specific issues.

The school added the issues needed to be investigated and while this was ongoing David Amos had been appointed as interim head.

Mr Amos, an experienced head, took over the role on January 18 but has refused to comment on the situation.

A meeting was held at the school last week to provide an update on the situation.

Parents were told a disciplinary investigation was under way and the focus of the investigation was the "leadership and management of the school".

The investigation will be carried out by the governing body and North Somerset Council.

A letter from Shelia Smith, director of children and young people's services, and Paul Redding, chair of governors was sent to parents.

It stated: "The suspension of the head and the disciplinary investigation does not presume any wrong-doing or guilt.

"The disciplinary investigation is intended to establish whether there is any foundation to the concerns that have been expressed to the governors about the leadership and management of the school.

"It is important to state there is no police involvement in the disciplinary investigation."

The statement said they were unable to provide parents with any more information at this stage.

Hillside First School was last inspected by Ofsted in December 2009, where inspector Robery Pyner praised Mr Hood.

He said in his report: "Hillside First is a good school. The fact the school has continued to perform well during this time is a testament to the outstanding leadership of the head teacher.

"During this time of change, he has, with the support of the deputy head teacher and governors, forged an effective team who are now well poised to improve the school further."