Children's watchdog hits out at striking teachers
A teachers' strike at a Northern Ireland school is piling new torment on the girl at the centre of a bitter assault row, a children’s watchdog warned tonight.
More than 50 NASUWT members staged a walkout at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn, Co Antrim in support of a male colleague the child complained about.
He was suspended for two years when the girl, then aged 12, made the allegation against him in 2002.
As union representatives refused to take classes over what they claim was a malicious complaint, the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People urged them to reconsider.
Nigel Williams said: “I am very worried that this action is making the child concerned a victim for a second time.
“We know from what the family have told us that she is suffering terribly.
“After being subjected to an assault that was admitted to by the teacher in court she is now undergoing an experience that is making her life a misery.”
Although the teacher admitted assaulting the girl he was allowed to return to work at the college where she is still a student.
Union representatives launched their indefinite industrial action after attempts to reach agreement with the Board of Governors failed.
Nearly 1,000 pupils have been told not to come in until further notice.
Local education chiefs, who have backed management in the row, pledged to meet the union at any time. The Labour Relations Agency is also on standby.
But NASUWT regional organiser Elsa Margrain insisted the union wanted equality for teachers.
“To say that we are putting 970 children’s education at risk on some sort of whim is very unfair and unreasonable,” she said.
Mr Williams accepted teachers were concerned about wrongful accusations.
“My concern is that the dispute can be resolved as quickly as possible to make sure that the individual child at the centre of the disagreement, and the entire school community can return to normal education.
“Every child is entitled to an education. Anything that stops a child enjoying that right must be resolved as soon as possible.”
