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Education

Teachers could face oath against inappropriate relationships with pupils

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TEACHERS in Flintshire could soon be asked to swear an oath pledging not to form inappropriate relationships with pupils, under a controversial motion set to be considered by the local council.

The proposal, due to be debated by Flintshire County Council in Mold on Tuesday, would require teachers and school staff to make a formal declaration in front of a manager, affirming they will not engage in intimate relationships with students. This comes in the wake of the high-profile case of former headteacher Neil Foden, who was sentenced to 17 years in prison in July after being found guilty of sexually abusing four girls during his tenure in Gwynedd.

The motion, submitted by Councillor Gladys Healey, a member of the Labour Party representing Hope, aims to introduce stronger safeguards to protect children from the risk of abuse by teachers. Healey argues that despite existing safeguarding measures, such as the code of professional conduct established by the Education Workforce Council, incidents of abuse and inappropriate relationships involving educators persist.

“The council acknowledges that even with safeguarding training and a strict professional code, there are still cases where teachers abuse their position,” Councillor Healey stated. “The council deplores such actions, which rob children of their innocence and bring the profession into disrepute.”

If passed, the measure would see all current and future education staff in Flintshire required to take the oath, reinforcing their commitment to the safeguarding of students.

However, the proposal has sparked outrage from teaching unions, who argue that it is unnecessary and an insult to the profession. The National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) expressed its strong opposition, with Neil Butler, the union’s national official for Wales, describing the motion as damaging to the reputation of teachers.

“This motion serves only to bring the teaching profession into disrepute,” Butler said. “Teachers in Wales are already bound by the Education Workforce’s code of practice, which clearly outlines their duty of care for the safety and wellbeing of learners. Those who breach this code face serious disciplinary consequences, including dismissal. Introducing an additional oath shows a shocking contempt for the profession.”

The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) has taken a more measured stance, expressing a willingness to engage in discussions about the proposal. Claire Armitstead, ASCL Cymru’s director, stated: “We share the horror felt at the case that has prompted this motion. We are open to considering any proposal aimed at improving safeguarding measures for young people, and we welcome further discussions with Councillor Healey on this matter.”

A child practice review is currently underway, led by the North Wales Safeguarding Board, following Foden’s conviction. Cyngor Gwynedd, the local authority where the offences took place, has pledged full cooperation with the review, which is seen as a crucial step in strengthening protections for vulnerable children in North Wales.

Responding as Flintshire County Council debates a motion calling for teachers and school staff to be asked to pledge in front of a manager not to form intimate relationships with students, Laura Doel, national secretary at NAHT Cymru, said:

“Everyone in the teaching profession was appalled by the abhorrent abuse perpetrated in Gwynedd, and our thoughts are with the victims.

“There are already strict safeguarding procedures in place to protect children and ensuring they are adhered to by all is the most appropriate and effective way to deal with any concerns, not to mention perpetrators facing criminal prosecution. We need meaningful action that strengthens safeguarding, not symbolic gestures that do not keep children safe.

“I am deeply disturbed to hear that a proposal to consider asking teachers to take an oath is being considered, let alone discussed. This sends the wrong message to the public and not only does it bring the whole profession into disrepute, it is an insult to the thousands of dedicated teachers and leaders who go above and beyond for their learners, their schools and the communities they serve.

“To enforce something like this insinuates all teachers and leaders cannot be trusted, and our learners are not safe in their care. That is simply not true and grossly unfair to the profession.

“Asking them to swear an oath promising not to abuse children will achieve nothing and risks undermining the trust between teachers, school leaders, and families.”

Education

Milford Haven School first to achieve gold in carer’s scheme

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MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL have been recognised for their commitment to and support for young carers and is the first school to achieve the top level award.

The school have achieved the Investors in Carers Gold Level award for its work for learners and staff who are carers.

The scheme is delivered by Hywel Dda University Health Board and supported by local authority and third sector partners in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

The Investors in Carers initiative was originally designed to help health facilities such as GP practices, areas within hospitals and other organisations focus on and improve their carer awareness.

This scheme has now extended to many other teams, services, and organisations. It is a scheme that provides a foundation for helping to identify and support unpaid carers of all ages.

Milford Haven School was assessed against the six themes within the scheme: Carer Lead, Staff training, Identification, Information and Support for carers and Evaluation.

Janette Reynolds, Assistant Head Teacher said: “We are incredibly honoured to receive the Gold Investors in Carers Award, it is a testament to our commitment to supporting and recognizing the invaluable contributions of carers within our community. It was about developing a culture that respects, empowers, and advocates for the wellbeing of carers at Milford Haven School. 

“We will continue to strive towards providing the best possible support, ensuring carers feel valued and equipped to balance their responsibilities.”  

Pembrokeshire County Council Carers Champion, Councillor Mike James said: “This is absolutely fantastic news. Everyone at Milford Haven School should be extremely proud of their hard work and commitment that has led to them becoming the first school in Pembrokeshire to receive the Gold Investors in Carers award.

“The award recognises the awareness and support for carers provided by the school and this is to be congratulated.”

A carer is someone, of any age, who provides unpaid support to family or friends who could not manage without this help. This could be caring for a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems. Anyone can become a carer; in most cases becoming a carer is not out of choice, it just happens.

For more information about the Investors in Carers scheme or for useful advice for carers, please visit: www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/carers

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Education

Kurtz calls for better conditions for supply teachers

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WEST WALES members of the National Education Union visited the Senedd on Wednesday to campaign for increased rights for those working as supply teachers employed through teaching agencies.

Commenting following the visit, Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Member of the Welsh Parliament, Samuel Kurtz MS said: “It does not seem right that those opting to work as supply teachers are not afforded the same rights, pay and conditions as their full time, local authority employed counterparts.

“The flexibility that supply teachers offer our schools is essential to pupils being able to maintain a good level of education, covering staff sickness and training absences.

“My concern is that with the education line in the Welsh Government’s supplementary budget for 2024/25 showing a cut, the Cabinet Secretary has no intention of addressing these concerns.

“If we fail to demonstrate the value we place on the whole teaching workforce, we run the very real risk of being unable to improve the educational outcomes of pupils in Wales.”

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Education

Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA to host open evening at Dewi Campus this week

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IN ST DAVID’S Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA will hold an Open Evening on Thursday, October 24 at its Dewi Campus in Millard Park, St Davids, Haverfordwest.

The event, scheduled from 5:00pm to 7:30pm, invites prospective students and their families to learn more about the school’s offerings.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the campus, meet with staff, and discover the school’s emphasis on achievement, inclusion, and respect. This event is designed to provide a comprehensive insight into the academic and extracurricular opportunities available at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA.

Prospective families can expect a warm welcome from the staff and a chance to engage with current students, gaining a firsthand understanding of the school’s community and values.

For more information, please contact Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA at [email protected] or call +44 (0) 1437 809200.

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