OFFICIALS at the Audit Commission are continuing to investigate the running of Whalley Range High School, after receiving submissions from the school and the city's education chiefs.
The commission's investigation into the management of the school - focusing on staffing, employment practices, interviews and contracts - began two years ago.
And when the draft report was sent to the school and the local education authority in November it led to the shock suspension of headteacher Dame Jean Else. Initially, the local education authority, the governors and the headteacher had been given until January 3 to respond to the findings of the investigation. But that was extended until January to allow for delays caused by the Christmas and New Year period.
And now officials from the Audit Commission have confirmed to the M.E.N. that they have received responses to the draft report from the education authority, the chair of governors and Dame Jean. They will now consider those responses before drawing up their final report and concluding the investigation.
In the meantime Dame Jean and two other members of staff - finance manager Maureen Ratchford, Dame Jean's sister, and director of governance Stewart Scott - remain suspended.
The Audit Commission investigation began in 2002 and followed claims of unfair dismissal by three former members of staff which were settled without liability by the local education authority. Since her suspension, Dame Jean has spoken of her continuing commitment to the school.
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Head's reply in high school probe
January 18, 2005
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David Else, Shaw Oldham (18/01/2005 at 21:48)
How the Audit Commision could act on malicous allegations from three former employees beggers belief. Why did the LEA at the time settle with these three people rather than let this go to a Tribunal were this would have been discussed openly and resolved again openly in court. Also all reports coming from the LEA state that this investigation began in 2002 but what they do not state is that it was a three week only investigation in 2002 and not a two year investigation as inferred and why in this case have they only just rasied the issue. Not only are the suspensions a disgrace but are a waste of tax payers money. The way this has been handled could have had serious consequences for all three people. They were escorted off the premises in a state of distress and agitation having to make their way home and given the state of Dame Jean it is a wonder that she managed to drive home at all. When this investigation is completed someones head at the LEA should roll.
Samantha Smith, Whalley Range (01/02/2005 at 15:45)
Those members of staff have not been suspended over nothing, the audit commision must have some solid evidence to take such drastic measures.
James Bristow, Manchester (01/02/2005 at 19:02)
If the LEA suspended this team then there must be good cause, and if the audit commission are still at the school after all this time, it signifies that something is wrong there.
As for David's comment, I would imagine that the three people that did not go to a tribunal, and was settled out of court was perhaps more than likely due to the incompetence of jean else and her staff; probably knew they were in the wrong and wanted to save face.
Isn't Jean else the same person who when she first took over the school fired all her part time staff because she unwittingly thought they did not have employee's rights????
With someone like that at the helm of a school I for one am surprised its held itself together for so long, as acts such as that is like pressing a self destruct button, but more likely....a power ego.