Teacher advised to stay home by police after awards anger
AN awards ceremony at a local school enraged parents and led to the teacher behind the ceremony being advised to stay home for the last day of school by police.
Mrs Begum drew up a list of light-hearted awards for pupils at High Green Primary School, with categories such as ‘most nosebleeds in a year’ and ‘person most likely to forget primary school’.
However, some parents took exception to the prizes and reacted angrily. Addressing parents, headteacher Diane Smales said:
“In light of recent comments made on Facebook, I have been speaking to the chair and vice chair of governors and have also taken advice from South Yorkshire Police.
“In view of the threat of violence made towards Mrs Begum on the last day, it has been agreed that to that she should not be in school tomorrow.
“I completely understand how upsetting this will be for many children but I have to take any threat of violence or aggression towards staff or children very seriously. “Safeguarding everyone in school has to be mine and the governors’ top priority. I will continue working with the governors and police on this matter.
“Regarding our last day and the concerns raised around the awards ceremony, I would like to say a huge thank you to all the parents who have taken the time to speak to staff and governors or send their comments to us.
“Both myself and the governors value all comments from parents and do take them seriously. Myself and the chair of governors have already spoken about all the comments made and are looking at what we can take from this to help us to continue to improve our school for everyone.
“I would like to apologise if anyone - pupil or parent - felt that an award was insensitive or that mine or Mrs Begum’s actions were inappropriate or offensive. None of this was intentional.
“We both care deeply about the children and have grown to love them over the years for who they are and the young people they have grown into. We are so proud of all their achievements and think they have all been amazing ambassadors and a great asset to our school. All the children should be very proud of their end of year results; well above national and the best we have had for a number of years.
“A credit to all the children's hard work and dedication and also Mrs Begums commitment to helping the children do their very best.
“I personally value the relationship that I have with parents and feel privileged to have shared seven years with you all - some families I have known for much longer, some parents I have known since we went to primary school together.
“So, it is an emotional time for me as well as the children, as I am saying goodbye to families who I have known for many years and may not see again.
“I would like to end with my very best wishes for the future for all our year six children and I hope you all have a well earned break over the summer.”
