CEREDIGION Country Council says an investigation has found no evidence to support allegations of bullying and harassment at Cardigan Secondary School.

The independent inquiry was commissioned by the council after complaints had been made by former members of staff and its report was published earlier today (January 24).

Members of the National Association of Schoolmasters and Union of Women Teachers staged a one-day strike at the school earlier this week to highlight their concerns and a union spokesman described the inquiry’s conclusions as “extremely disappointing”.

It is expected that further industrial action by teachers planned for next month will continue.

The report made five recommendations:

1. Work with staff to recognise their contribution in making Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi a successful school. Continue to develop a team ethos.

2. Review existing monitoring procedures, especially learning walks and pupil voice. Consider these under current workload guidance and in the context of being a successful school.

3. Work with staff to establish a culture and process to enable staff concerns to be voiced and addressed in a constructive manner.

4. Remind staff of the school’s social media policy and advice provided by trade unions and the Education Workforce Council (EWC).

5. Further develop a team ethos by distributing leadership and involving wider staff in processes such as monitoring to avoid a perception of the headteacher as the sole driver of school improvement.

Leader of Ceredigion County Council, Cllr Ellen ap Gwynn said, “The council takes any concerns about the conduct of all school staff very seriously, which is why we have commissioned an independent investigation into issues raised by current and former staff members.

“Standards at Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi have improved dramatically in recent years, providing excellent educational outcomes to thousands of pupils. We are very grateful to the head teacher, her leadership group and all staff at the school, whose hard work has been central to improving standards.

“However, for the school to work effectively, we want to make sure that all staff feel valued. With that in mind we will work with the school to carry out all recommendations that the independent report has made. We are committed to working with all staff and their unions to continue Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi’s success as a flourishing school.”

A NASUWT spokesman said: “It is extremely disappointing that the council has chosen to behave in this way. This is not the behaviour of a responsible employer concerned about its staff.

“This approach simply replicates the bullying attitude and behaviour about which the staff have been complaining.

“The NASUWT will not allow a report from the council which in our view was anything but independent to deter us from continuing to pursue the concerns of our members who have endured, whatever the council may say, bullying and intimidation.

“Whilst the NASUWT is always ready to engage constructively to resolve a dispute, we will not be deterred from taking action to ensure our members are treated with dignity and respect.”

A statement from the school governors said: "The governing body at the school has welcomed the report's findings and has sent an open letter to all parents thanking them for their support."

The full report of the investigation can be viewed on the following link: http://www.ceredigion.gov.uk/media/4916/investigation-report-yua.pdf