MP calls on regulator to investigate school

Steve Witherden, MP for Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr, has called on the Education Workforce Council (EWC) to undertake an investigation into allegations of endemic misconduct and bullying at one Powys school. 

Following extensive liaison with over a dozen affected constituents including staff, ex-staff, and parents of pupils and ex-pupils, Mr Witherden wrote to the EWC on Tuesday, 17 December requesting an investigation into recent events at the school. 

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The headteacher or school cannot be named for legal reasons.

A letter sent by 14 named individuals to the Chief Executive of Powys County Council was seen by Mr Witherden. The letter was published by Nation.Cymru on 27 September 2024 here, with further developments covered on 11 October 2024 and 30 October 2024. 

Powys County Council stated to Nation.Cymru that they would hold an internal investigation, though later confirming they would only consider doing so if they received sufficient information from complainants.

This received further criticism from affected constituents given that the Council also declined to confirm that they would request an external independent investigation, in the event that an investigation would take place. 

The EWC is the independent, professional regulator for the education workforce in Wales, regulating education practitioners in schools, further education, youth work, and other work-based learning.

They maintain a Register of Education Practitioners, publish a Code of Professional Conduct and Practice, and investigate allegations of unacceptable professional conduct, with the powers to strike professionals found to have been involved in wrongdoing off the teaching register for life. 

Steve Witherden MP commented: 

“I have requested that the EWC undertake an independent investigation into these serious and consistent allegations of institutionalised bullying at a Powys school.   

“As a Member of Parliament it is my responsibility to speak up on behalf of constituents and ensure their concerns are heard when evidenced. Considering how many scandals have come to light in public institutions in recent years, it is also a moral duty. 

“Given the significant number of people affected and potential safeguarding concerns owing to the school’s entirely Additional Learning Needs pupil body, it is my belief that the severity of the allegations warrants an out-of-county, independent investigation. 

“I have exchanged correspondence with Powys County Council, the Welsh Government, and the Children’s Commissioner for Wales regarding this matter and hope to see it properly resolved through the appropriate channels.”