Linda Ross case: extent of problems at school revealed in councillor's notes from 2006/2007
A teacher at Sidlaw View Primary School was subjected to 23 incidents of physical and verbal abuse, among a total of 42 complaints logged during 2006-2007, The Courier has learned.
Ian Borthwick, Sandy Watson and Rev James Wilson presenting their inquiry panel findings in 2007.
- By Alan Wilson
- Published in the Courier : 14.09.11
- Published online : 14.09.11 @ 12.14pm
During the same period Linda Ross, who was deputy head there, was suspended after her husband Vic raised concerns over indiscipline at the school.
Staff at the school felt their concerns were not investigated adequately by those "higher up at Tayside House" and at least one staff member said complaints disappear into a "black hole".
The issues are among several areas of concern raised by Councillor Ian Borthwick in his notes to the three-man panel charged with investigating the controversy at the time.
The inquiry team, headed by the former Tayside Regional Council's education convener Sandy Watson and also including the Rev James Wilson, recommended security be addressed urgently and also said the council should conduct a comprehensive review of the guidelines for managing disruptive behaviour in all schools.
The panel, however, concluded allegations about Sidlaw View were exaggerated.
A controlled-entry system was installed by the council with the promise that it would act as a pilot for improving security at all city schools, while more than £16,000 was spent on further security improvements the following year.
Following publication at the weekend of the judgment of an employment tribunal which severely criticised the council and individuals and ruled that Linda Ross was unfairly dismissed by the authority, Mr Borthwick called for a full investigation into the handling of the case.
He has also now released to The Courier his notes from that initial inquiry — which he stressed were his personal and not official findings.
Mr Borthwick stressed it was his belief the system has now been overhauled and many problems have been addressed.
He said: "A good education and a safe environment for all in the community ... that was my overriding objective. Ascertain the facts and make sure it didn't happen again, and it was also those of the other members of the panel."
Among his concerns in October 2007 were that teachers, pupils and parents had raised issues of violence but the response from the education department was inadequate. He said from August 16, 2006, until September 17, 2007, "there were 42 violent incidents, with one teacher assaulted on 23 occasions.
"Concern was expressed by staff regarding the level of incidents. As I am sure the panel does, I find it unacceptable and a cause for concern that one teacher should have been subjected to more than half the violent incidents.
"There was clearly recognition that support was given by fellow staff members but there were reservations at the support given by 'higher up at Tayside House' and the agreement with the statement that complaints disappear into a 'black hole' justifies vigorous investigation into what actual support is given to staff facing these occurrences on a regular basis."
He noted education director Anne Wilson and managers stated categorically Mrs Ross had not reported any fears but head teacher Mrs McCaffrey said she had, which indicated failures in adequately supporting staff.
In terms of security at the school, which Mr Ross had raised, he told the inquiry: "In my view, the security at Sidlaw View falls below acceptable standards."
Former education director Anne Wilson retired in 2009, saying she had "no regrets" and vehemently denying that morale among teachers was bad.
09.11am - 15.09.2011 James Robertson - Dundee, Scotland Report This
John Letford was in the local press denying he had treated the hearing as a jolly - based on what, we'll never know because he didn't say.
04.33pm - 16.09.2011 John MacD - Dundee, UK Report This
James What a preposterous suggestion. Where is your proof that he did treat it as a jolly? Bit biased there, no?
09.45am - 17.09.2011 Wilfred Owing - Dundee, Scotland Report This
@John - it is an accusation of Mrs Ross, the unfairly treated lady who was vindicated by the employment tribunal and found to be unfairly dismissed by an inept council panel who were unable to comply with their own procedures during her employment appeal hearing.
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