Call for calm over head's suspension

Dec 1 2006 By Tony Collins, Birmingham Mail

THE chairman of governors at a city primary school where the head teacher is suspended today appealed for calm over the dispute.

Sajad Akram said he was unable to disclose the reasons for head Kevin McCabe's suspension from Adderley Primary, in Arden Road, Saltley, since Tuesday.

One source claimed yesterday that the decision stemmed from the previous sacking of a female member of the teaching staff, which Mr Akram subsequently looked into.

But the chairman of governors insisted: "I don't want to talk about speculation and conjecture.

"The head teacher was suspended following serious allegations of gross misconduct. But neither I nor the local authority are at liberty to discuss the allegations in order not to affect the judicious process of investigation.

"The local authority is, of course, aware of the allegations."

Mr Akram insisted that the suspension of Mr McCabe, who only became head in September last year, was not due to any personal conflict between them.

"He is an excellent bloke," he added, referring to Mr McCabe.

"The suspension of the head teacher is in accordance with the articles of school governance which place responsibility on the governing body in such cases.

"The unions, of course, have an interest in their members, but I have to remind everyone that the primary responsibility of governors, teachers and the local authority is the welfare of the children," he added.

The school was closed on Wednesday following sickness to 16 teachers, but reopened yesterday.

Mr Akram added: "This is not a time for accusations and emotional responses.

"It is important that the whole matter is dealt with calmly, systematically and impartially and within the legal framework."

Birmingham City Council is understood to have set up an investigation into the head's suspension.