Review finds agencies failed to share Adolf Hitler concerns before knife attack at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman

A SCHOOLGIRL who stabbed two teachers and a pupil at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in Carmarthenshire had previously been considered for referral to the Government’s Prevent programme, according to a serious case review published this week.

The report found that the 13-year-old, known as Child A, displayed an unusual fascination with Adolf Hitler, war memorabilia and weapons. She also claimed to speak German and Russian and was described by professionals as “quirky” and “not quite fitting in.”

Two years before the attack, concerns about her behaviour were known to several agencies, but information was not effectively shared between them.

Knife incidents before attack

The girl had previously brought a ball-bearing gun to a different school and was later suspended at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman after a knife was discovered in her bag. At one stage she also threatened to use a knife against another pupil.

Following these incidents, a referral to Prevent was discussed by agencies but not pursued. Instead, an “early help” assessment was recommended to understand her needs. The review records that her father declined this support, saying he believed professionals did not understand his daughter.

As part of a safety plan after her suspension, he agreed to check her school bag each morning. However, on the day of the attack she left home early, before the bag check could be done.

April 2024 stabbing

On 24 April 2024, the girl smuggled her father’s multi-tool into school. She stabbed assistant headteacher Fiona Elias and additional needs teacher Liz Hopkin, as well as a pupil, before being restrained.

During her arrest she told officers: “That’s one way to be a celebrity. I’m pretty sure this is going to be on the news, so more eyes will be looking at me.”

She was convicted at Swansea Crown Court of three counts of attempted murder and in April this year was sentenced to 15 years’ detention.

Missed opportunities

The review, commissioned by Carmarthenshire County Council and the Mid and West Wales Safeguarding Board, concluded that while there were clear concerns about her state of mind, no agency could have predicted the scale of violence she went on to commit.

Report author Gladys Rhodes White wrote: “Each agency had their own pieces of the jigsaw. When collated, there is a much clearer picture of the concerns around Child A’s behaviour. However, no information held at the time could have foreseen the shocking events which unfolded.”

She also said the case highlighted a gap in provision for children who do not meet Prevent thresholds but nonetheless pose risks, particularly when families decline voluntary help.

The review added that pupils at the school were aware she had a knife on the day of the attack but did not tell staff.

Father’s criticism

Child A’s father told the review he felt services had “let her down” and said he had sought help for her emotional and behavioural problems without success. He added that he had been consistent in carrying out bag checks but regretted not being able to do so on the morning of the attack.

He said: “Agencies didn’t listen to me or my child when we needed help.”

Recommendations

The report calls for stronger information-sharing between schools, health, police and safeguarding services, especially when a child transfers between schools, and greater consideration of how to support children whose behaviours raise concerns but who do not fall under statutory schemes.

In a joint statement, Carmarthenshire County Council, Dyfed-Powys Police, Hywel Dda University Health Board and Ysgol Dyffryn Aman said: “We acknowledge the difficult circumstances faced by the victims and the school community. We pay tribute to the pupils, staff and parents whose resilience has enabled learning to continue in a safe and supportive environment.”