The parents of a boy who died after an asthma attack at school were not told that a member of staff involved in the case was set to be sacked – until they were approached by us.
Karen Linton, mother of 11-year-old Sam Linton, said her family has been left in the dark about the investigation into five members of staff at Offerton High in Stockport.
It is the second time that Stockport council has failed to inform the family about the progress of the investigation. We revealed yesterday that Deborah Bouckley, a first aider at the school, had been recommended for dismissal by school governors.
Ms Bouckley’s sister Janet Bouckley and Pam Banstead, who are also support workers at the school, and teacher Jan Ford - who allegedly left Sam in a corridor while he suffered the attack - have been issued with formal warnings and will return to school after the summer. All four have a right to appeal.
The fate of headteacher Evelyn Leslie will be decided in September. The staff were suspended in March. The family were not told the news until it was revealed by us.
Mrs Linton, of Dalby Grove, Offerton, said she believed all five members of staff involved should have been dismissed. She said: “You could say the one who’s gone has been made a scapegoat. She’s one of the lowest ranking but they’re too scared to get rid of the teacher.”
An inquest into Sam’s death returned a verdict of death by natural causes ‘significantly contributed to’ by neglect.
The council declined to comment on the family not being told.
Tweet
Comments
Login or Register to comment
Well done stockport council. Muppets.
Obviously the council forgot because of the budget crisis their under. Must cost a lot of money phoning or even send a representative or dare I say it LETTER, Email. Never mind the fact the school practice of First Aid isn't up to much. Which is I think a requirement by law in all Legible Schools? Pity this lad had to die before a collective decision to get proper medical help. Worried parents should ask questions on how your child will be treated if an event arises.
Stockport council ,SHAME ON YOU. Mr.and Mrs.Linton deserve to be kept informed about the teaching staff who could not be bothered to call for help for their son. My condolence to all the Linton family.
Clearly your reporters either idiots or at least never bothered to try thinking.
The school and the local council are treading in a minefield where any mistake in their process can land them with an expensive claim for wrongful or unfair dismissal. Making public statements before the process is complete could cost the school many thousands of pounds.