Union demand council reinstate dismissed headteacher

The new school has been formed on the site of Ysgol Cystennin

A Welsh council has refused to reinstate a sacked headteacher despite winning an appeal against her dismissal, a union has claimed.

The NAHT says Rhian Jones was made compulsory redundant amid Conwy council's merger of Ysgol Babanod Mochdre infants and Ysgol Cystennin juniors last year.

Officials say a panel upheld their member's appeal in July, finding the dismissal was not justified. The NAHT is now considering legal action.

Conwy council said it was unable to comment on the matter.

Last year Conwy council decided to merge the two schools into a single primary school called Ysgol Minafon, based on the Ysgol Cystennin site in Colwyn Bay.

Ms Jones had been head of the federation of the two schools. NAHT said she was dismissed.

It says it appealed to a panel, through what was understood to be an internal local government process, and the panel found the dismissal was not justified and they remained entitled to their post.

The NAHT claimed the council has refused to reinstate Ms Jones. The new school has a different headteacher.

'They've done nothing wrong'

Laura Doel, NAHT Cymru's nation secretary, said: "This headteacher has been put through hell and has done nothing wrong.

"The repercussions have been devastating, losing a job they loved through no fault of their own.

"We had urged the council to halt the process and seek legal advice, but they ignored us and carried on.

"It is wholly unlawful and procedurally unfair for the authority, as the employer of record, to disregard or refuse to implement the decision of the appeals panel."

More school mergers are planned by Conwy council. "We want to ensure no other head teachers are treated this way.

It is understood that the NAHT has filed a tribunal claim, and are considering further legal action.

It asked for the authority to reinstate Ms Jones and reimburse her unpaid salary.

Conwy council said: "We are aware NAHT has issued a press release, however as this relates to an individual we are unable to comment on the matter at this time."