The executive head of a “not fit for purpose” school, where teachers are on strike over poor pupil behaviour, has left her role. Debra Thomas has stepped down from her position at Pencoedtre High in Barry as the crisis continues.
Her resignation comes after members of the Nasuwt teaching union walked out in a row over safety, pupil violence and abuse. One teacher described how she locked herself and her class in against a violent child who then assaulted another pupil so badly he needed medical attention.
In a joint statement tonight the Vale of Glamorgan Council and Pencoedtre High School said: “Debra Thomas took on leadership responsibilities at Pencoedtre in addition to her role as headteacher of Cowbridge School, becoming executive headteacher. This arrangement was always intended to be for a fixed period and has been in place for longer than was initially envisaged.
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"The council would like to thank Debra for her work at Pencoedtre as she returns to focus fully on Cowbridge once again. Discussions between school governors and the council over the long-term leadership arrangements at Pencoedtre continue and an announcement on this matter will be made in due course.”
Nasuwt representative Sharron Daly described Ms Thomas leaving as disastrous. She claimed the executive headteacher had been “a voice of reason” trying to find solutions which she claimed the local education authority had not responded to. You can read a teacher's description of violence at Pencoedtre High here
“It’s a real mess at the school,” said Ms Daly, “she was the reasonable voice in this dispute and wanted to find solutions while the Vale of Glamorgan Council has its head in the sand. As a union we always had a positive working relationship with the executive head and losing her is a massive loss. But I totally understand why she wanted to resign.”
Cllr Rhys Thomas, chair of the Vale of Glamorgan learning and culture scrutiny committee said the council has "failed to take responsibility" for problems at the school. The Conservative councillor said the local authority must act now as children's education was suffering.
“These developments are hugely concerning and show that the Vale Council has failed to take responsibility. Debra Thomas faced a huge challenge sorting out problems at Pencoedtre School, and got little support from the Council who have sought to avoid blame at every turn.
“It’s time for the Council to finally step up to the plate. Otherwise it’s teachers and children who will continue to suffer.”
Ms Thomas, whose main job is as head of Cowbridge High, was drafted in to help in September after the previous headteacher Lee Humphreys left last year. She told the council last week that the open plan design of new build £33m Pencoedtre High contributed to behaviour management problems.
Ms Thomas told the council's learning and culture scrutiny committee meeting on January 11 that the school building is “very open” which “facilitates large groups to form”. There have been 136 exclusions at the school since September and the Nasuwt has also said the design of the school is contributing to poor behaviour.
As well as the open plan there is a mini pupil referral unit and autism base housed in the centre of the school building. While it’s not unusual to have these bases on site, the location is unusual and unhelpful Nasuwt representative Sharron Daly said.
It is understood that Leanne Pownell still remains in her post as acting head of Pencoedtre. The school, which opened in 2018, was formerly Bryn Hafren Comprehensive School when it was girls only.
Pupils and staff moved into new-build £22.8m premises in January 2022. Nasuwt Cymru is now in dispute with nine schools across Wales, five of which are centred on behaviour.
A further five days of Nasuwt walk outs at Pencoedtre are planned for January 18, 24, 25, 31 and February 1 unless the situation is resolved before.
On the strike the Vale of Glamorgan Council said: "The council and school are yet to receive confirmation that the Nasuwt intends to strike this week and are hopeful such action can be avoided to prevent further disruption to pupils. Should the strike go ahead, the school will be open on Thursday to a small group of learners with specific needs, for Year 11 study support in the morning and sixth form lessons where staff are available.
“We are fully aware of the issues affecting staff and are working with the Nasuwt to resolve them. The work taking place has been discussed with the trade union in regular meetings and includes steps to improve the working environment and update the school’s behaviour policy.
“Following Estyn’s recent visit, the council, senior leaders and governors are also committed to actioning the post-inspection action plan (PIAP). This includes improving the provision to address the behaviour of a minority of pupils who have trauma-related issues."
The Vale of Glamorgan Council has been trying to find a permanent new head for Pencoedtre High since last year. The post was advertised with a salary of between £100,000 and £115,000 in an advert which now says the vacancy has expired.
Asked about the vacancy and pay package a council spokesman was unable to confirm whether the post was still being advertised and, if so, at what rate.
The now previous advertisement, which appeared in FE Jobs online gave a glowing description of the school. The advert said Pencoedtre had "fantastic staff who are committed to giving our students the best possible learning experiences under your expert guidance and excellent role-modelling."
It went on to say the governing body "are supportive and robust in their challenge with the addition of a new chair who is a Central South Consortium (CSC) Regional Leader of Governance".
The school website lists the school governors as including Debra Thomas with Karen Dell'armi, LEA governor, listed as chairperson and Kay Martin ,LEA governor, as vice Chairperson.
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