News
Suspended Henry Fawcett head hits back
Thursday, 06 August 2009
Henry Fawcett school
A SCHOOL headteacher has denied he was suspended over concerns about educational standards and financial management.
James Walker has spoken out after Labour-run Lambeth council dismissed the board of governors at Henry Fawcett Primary School, near the Brit Oval cricket ground in Kennington.
Those dismissed included Justice Minister Jack Straw’s son Will.
Lambeth says it acted over worries about finances and education standards in the school on Bowling Green Street.
But Mr Walker, who was diagnosed with cancer last year, has responded with a statement through his lawyers.
He claimed to have been praised for results and that he was suspended after an allegation – on a different matter – was made by an assistant headteacher.
Tania Goodman, from law firm Collyer Bristow, said that the school had good Key Stage 2 results in 2007 – recognised by Phyllis Dunipace, executive director of children’s services at Lambeth.
After Mr Walker was diagnosed with cancer in February last year, an assistant headteacher was appointed.
Ms Goodman said: “In September 2008, James Walker returned to work but was suspended on November 28, 2008, following an allegation made by the assistant head on an entirely separate matter.
“These allegations are still being investigated and so James Walker remains suspended.”
Mr Walker has submitted a disability discrimination claim against Lambeth to the employment tribunal service.
His case is listed for November.
Kate Hoey, MP for Vauxhall, has supported Mr Walker.
She said: “I feel he has not been treated in a way that would generally be considered to be justified.”
A Lambeth council spokesman said last month: “We had major concerns regarding thegovernance of Henry Fawcett school and problems regarding financial management and declining educational standards were not addressed.
“We established an interim executive board who are taking steps to ensure pupils receive the high standard of education they deserve.”
Email: sam.masters@slp.co.uk
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