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Assault row teacher speaks out as school strike continues
Tuesday, 14 October 2008
The teacher at the centre of strike action at a Co Down school today spoke out about the assault which sparked the high-profile walkout by him and his colleagues.
The NASUWT teaching union still refuses to disclose exactly what happened during the incident in May, but the teacher attacked by the young male pupil said today he was “horrified by what happened”.
He asked not to be identified, but said: “I am concerned about the impact this is having on all of the pupils.
“I hope the situation is sorted out as quickly as possible.”
Pupils at Movilla High School in Newtownards missed a second day of classes today as the strike action by 25 teachers continued.
The union said members voted to strike after not being paid when they refused to teach the pupil involved in the assault.
Fred Brown, NASUWT executive member, confirmed today that the union would not enter into talks with the South Eastern Education and Library Board through the Labour Relations Agency unless two preconditions were met — that the teachers’ full pay is reinstated and the boy is taught by someone other than the union members. However, the SEELB said it is “unable to comply with the stated preconditions”.
Mr Brown said: “We are not happy that we have been pushed into strike action.
“However, the morale of the teachers is high and we have had a lot of support from the general public.”
The Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) has also confirmed that it is currently balloting its 10 members at the Co Down school on ‘refusal to teach' action. The pupils were sent home early yesterday morning with a letter saying they should not attend school again until further notice.
Seamus Searson, Northern Ireland organiser of the teachers' union, said: “Our members want to continue teaching their classes, but this particular pupil needs a new start with specialised support,” he said.
“Clearly we cannot tolerate a situation where our members are not paid for the work they are doing, and where, in effect, all the pupils are being punished for the behaviour of one.”
Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, has offered to act as a mediator between the teachers and their employer.
The SEELB said the incident was “appropriately and proportionately dealt with” by the board of governors with the pupil returning to school after serving a period of 10 days suspension.
“The SEELB and the board of governors consider the health and safety of pupils and staff to be a very important and serious matter and would not have returned the pupil to the school if such a course of action presented a serious risk,” a statement from the board said.
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Comments
30 Comments
if the teacher and his supporters claim that he was attacked why did he not simply report the matter to the psni and avoid all this nonsense. the matter could have been dealt with proffessionally between psni, parents and mental health agencies.for the benifit of the child and all the children at school. instead of choosing the high profile publicity stunt that has been a tragic mistake. at the end of the day some one contacted the press/media,and i am sure it wasnt the boy or his parents. the cild has had three deaths in his family in recent times ,have you lot no compassion in your hearts/ or is it a case of not on my shift! as for the parents of the school you should stand up for the family and not just think about your self. all of you show some compassion, just like christ you are all guilty of crucifying this lad .can you live with yourself if the pressure makes him follow his brother.god help us all
Posted by michael | 21.10.08, 08:15 GMT
The report is hearsay.
Posted by Anton | 20.10.08, 19:44 GMT
"J" The SEELB refused to pay teachers who refused to teach. If these teachers wish to re-write their employment contracts perhaps they should consider forming a private school. They would quickly learn who they actually work for. In today's economic climate one wouldn't have to be very smart to predict the outcome. There can be no doubt that innocent pupils' education is suffering - clearly not a concern for the teachers -their self interest is revealing and ineffectiveness worrying.
Posted by Parental Alliance for Choice in Education | 20.10.08, 15:59 GMT
In response to the post by 'parential alliance for choice in education' - the teachers have been trying to resolve this issue for months while teaching all other pupils so their education did not suffer!! They only resorted to strike action due to the board refusing to pay them a daily wage. Would you work for nothing???
Posted by j | 19.10.08, 21:34 GMT
It seems quite rightly that anyone who has a clue supports the teachers here.
An interesting article quoting the assaulted teacher when he never spoke to the Belfast Telegraph or any press.
Why does everyone seem to have rights except law abidding hard working citizens
Posted by Susan | 16.10.08, 20:03 GMT
Portuguese Paddy has just said what I believe thousands of people who read the Belfast Telegraph think. With the DENI, CCEA, teaching unions and activist teachers feeding a steady diet of press releases and propaganda why should a newspaper actually work on a story or report the facts?
Posted by Pro Tanto Quid | 16.10.08, 14:31 GMT
All pupils at Movilla have a right to be taught. Innocents should not be punished for the failures of teachers and their employers to resolve a discipline matter. It is remarkable how teachers appear anxious on this site to protect each other but have little to offer by way of solutions or expressions of empathy for affected pupils. It seems that the teacher involved has dragged the entire profession into his dispute over his dissatisfaction over resolution of the disciplinary procedure in May.
Posted by parental alliance for choice in education | 16.10.08, 07:43 GMT
Of course Lancer's comments are moronic, but what I have always found most disconcerting is the Telegraph's reportage on issues such as this; that this paper sets up the story/issues/debate and, yet tantalisingly, refuses, either to seriously challenge on educational issues, except, of course, on 'bullying' where there's an 'easy consensus' upon which the paper can stroll up to the beautifully tended moral high ground, or carry out some in-(the paper's columnists might find this too burdensome)-depth engagement with the range of challenges that exist at a systemic level in the education sector in the North. Ironically, the ground provides rich pickings at the moment for any journalist (who has the eye) in a period where the very fabric of existing structures is in shreds. I'm out of the system, probably for good, but I just don't get this lack of journalistic 'rough and tumble' with such 'crunch' moments.
Posted by Portuguese Paddy | 15.10.08, 22:11 GMT
It is the authories which have caused the teachers to resort to the acftion here.
Posted by lancer | 14.10.08, 23:59 GMT
I am disgusted that these teachers should behave in this way. If they are thaking the moneyb then they (like our armed forces should take the wages and keep quiet) Of course this is nonsense.
Andf of course I know a l ittle bit more than the papers may suggest.
The Belfast telegraph which seems to think that stopping someone having the right to have an edcuation is not doing the serious job of journalisic investigation.
Posted by lancer | 14.10.08, 23:12 GMT
My support and sympathy lies with the teachers. They may win the war but the do-gooders and PC brigade will probably win the war. Good luck!
Posted by Very Concerned Educator | 14.10.08, 22:18 GMT
i think this is out of order.
Posted by sarah | 14.10.08, 21:18 GMT
Teachers' human rights do not end at assembly, and restart after the last bell.
Posted by Paul C | 14.10.08, 21:04 GMT
I know several of the teachers at Movilla. As a staff, they are hardworking and caring - as a teacher myself who has worked in many schools, it is rare to find staff who are as dedicated and know their pupils as well as those in Movilla.
Posted by Rachel | 14.10.08, 20:36 GMT
As a former pupil of Movilla, I am agrement with the teachers going on strike. I hope this matter is resovled soon.
Posted by Mark Hunter | 14.10.08, 19:34 GMT
I totally support the stand that the teachers are making with regards to an unruly pupils. Having taught for 15 years I always hear about 'the rights of a child' but when 'the rights of a teacher' are mentioned we are scorned at and told to 'stop moaning and think about the holidays we get'. Although the majority of children (and parents!) are well mannered and a pleasure to know there have been times within my career when I have been made to basically feel like a piece of dirt by some parents and children. There have been times that teachers have been expected to apologise to ignorant and aggressive parents/children for not putting up with their outbursts. To those behind the desks at the SEELB - you go and teach at schools like Movilla and see what its like away from your cosy offices!
Posted by joyce | 14.10.08, 19:12 GMT
Like most people here, I support the teachers 100% in this case.
Posted by Kieran | 14.10.08, 18:06 GMT
Sorry, but just who is in charge of this situation?
Posted by carbine | 14.10.08, 18:05 GMT
The SEELB has a duty of care to its teachers and its pupils i.e. ensuring that they are all working in a safe environent. I fully support the teachers in their action.
Posted by cd | 14.10.08, 17:43 GMT
The Education Board is way out of step ............
The General Public / Parents now support Teachers trying
to maintain discipline in the classroom - for the benefit of
the majority who want to work & learn .......
Posted by Parent | 14.10.08, 17:40 GMT
30 Comments