Enniskillen Royal Grammar School
STAFF at Enniskillen Royal Grammar School are awaiting the outcome of a ballot which may result in them refusing to teach a 17-year-old pupil who took photos up the skirts of two young female teachers.
It follows revelations that the PSNI conducted a number of enquiries after a memory stick containing the “inappropriate images” was found at the school last November. The photographs were taken in May/June 2015 and the two female teachers concerned were informed about their discovery.
A file was forwarded to the Public Prosecution Service in relation to the matter at the beginning of April this year but having considered the pictures, it was decided not to prosecute the boy as the evidence did not meet its test for a prosecution.
The offending pupil was initially suspended for a period of five days on November 30th last in line with the school’s Behaviour Policy. The option to expel him was considered by the school’s Board of Governors who then decided against this after taking legal advice. Instead the suspension of the pupil was extended by a further 12 days as an “alternative sanction to expulsion”.
Along with other agencies, a risk assessment was carried out and safety and support plans including counselling services were drawn up for both the boy and the two female teachers affected.
School management have remained tight-lipped since the incident first came to light two months ago. In a statement, a school spokesman said this week: “Given the complex and sensitive nature of this issue for all concerned, we are disappointed that this is being dealt with in the media. It is not appropriate for the school to comment further.”
However in a letter sent to all teaching staff and seen by the Fermanagh Herald, chairman of the Board of Governors Peter Little expressed concern at the decision of staff to call the ballot and consider possible strike action.
“At the time, the pupil was 15 years old and has matured in the intervening two years before the offence came to light. The pupil is remorseful and has apologised in writing to the teachers concerned,” Mr Little stated.
“The school will continue to exercise its duty of care to all those directly involved in this situation and to all members of the wider school community. The two members of staff have received and will continue to receive support from the school to ensure a safe working environment and to reassure them that there is no ongoing risk.”
Mr Little also cautioned staff “against engaging in any manner with the pupil regarding this matter” or treating him “any differently”.
The National Union of Schoolmasters/Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT), representing around 40 teachers at the school, has been conducting a ‘refusal to teach’ ballot among its “unhappy” members for industrial action. The result of this will be known “sooner rather than later”, a NASUWT spokesman confirmed yesterday (Tuesday).
“We will take whatever action is necessary to defend the health and safety of our members. We do not think the school has been doing enough to protect that,” he added.
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Posted: 8:31 pm June 25, 2017