Headteacher leaving is 'unrelated' to Telford school 'bullying' campaign
A Telford headteacher at a school involved in a bullying row earlier this year has left his job.
In a letter to parents, governors at St Peter's C of E Primary School in Bratton said Tim Moule is leaving because of an unrelated matter.
In April an investigation was launched after a seven-year-old pupil suffered a head injury which his mother said needed hospital treatment.
The Justice For Jak Facebook page has more than 200,000 followers and the story was run in newspapers and on websites around the world.
Jak’s mother Elaine Henson claimed he was pushed into a metal pole on March 23 by another boy at the school.
In a letter to parents of children attending the school, chair of governors Sarah Rigby said: "I am writing to let you know that Tim Moule will not be returning to St Peter’s and can confirm that this is not related to any matter connected with the school.
"As a very important part of the St Peter’s community, I wanted to make sure that you heard this from the school at the earliest opportunity and, as governors our priority is to ensure that St Peter’s has strong leadership."
She said the school had already started the process for appointing a new headteacher and it is hoped that a new headteacher will be in place by the end of the year.
Amanda Martin has been appointed as acting headteacher and Sue Knox is joining the staff as interim deputy headteacher.
The letter continues: "The governing body will give the temporary leadership team our full support in order for them to provide the best environment and education for the school’s pupils and community.
"I appreciate that this change is unexpected and some of you may find it unsettling.
"We are aware that many of our parents hold Mr Moule in high regard and, as governors, we want to assure you that we will continue to build upon the progress and success that the school has enjoyed over recent years."
Bosses from Telford & Wrekin Council’s Safeguarding Children's Board previously responded to the viral anti-bullying campaign started by Jak's mother.
The board's chairman Andrew Mason said that it was important they be mindful that at the centre of all the online outrage was two very young children.
He said allegations of bullying were taken extremely seriously, adding: “With regards to previous reports of bullying at the school, it seems that there have been issues surrounding a small group of boys since the beginning of the year.
“It is clear that the parents of the children concerned have been involved in discussions with senior staff at the school and various measures have been put in place to try to resolve the situation."
Police and Jak’s school, St Peter’s in Bratton, have both previously said they would look into the incident.
