MANSFIELD WOODHOUSE: Parents call for openness at Robin Hood Primary

Parents at a Mansfield Woodhouse school where the headteacher was suspended yesterday (13th November) have criticised governors for not explaining why the decision was taken.
By Andy Done-Johnson
Published 14th Nov 2013, 17:03 BST
Robin Hood Primary School, Mansfield Woodhouse are the first school in the county to introduce a 20mph speed limit on the road. Pictured with children from the school l-r is Alan Rhodes Leader of County Council, Kevin Greaves Chair of Transport, Cllr Joyce Bosnjak and Pauline Witham Chair of Governers.Robin Hood Primary School, Mansfield Woodhouse are the first school in the county to introduce a 20mph speed limit on the road. Pictured with children from the school l-r is Alan Rhodes Leader of County Council, Kevin Greaves Chair of Transport, Cllr Joyce Bosnjak and Pauline Witham Chair of Governers.
Robin Hood Primary School, Mansfield Woodhouse are the first school in the county to introduce a 20mph speed limit on the road. Pictured with children from the school l-r is Alan Rhodes Leader of County Council, Kevin Greaves Chair of Transport, Cllr Joyce Bosnjak and Pauline Witham Chair of Governers.

Last night, Chad revealed that Nottinghamshire County Council had suspended Julie Rowbottom, headteacher at Robin Hood Primary and Nursery School, in Oxclose Lane, following an undisclosed incident at the school.

While a letter from chair of governors Pauline Witham to parents confirms that Mrs Rowbottom has been suspended, it does not explain why and asks parents not to try and find out from staff and governors.

“I am afraid I am unable to provide any further details to parents and I would ask that you do not approach staff or governors for any further information,” the letter states.

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But parents today called for more transparency and said they should be told why Mrs Rowbottom has been suspended while an investigation takes place.

One parent, who asked not to be named, said: “I just think that it’s terrible that they won’t tell us what’s happened. It’s our children at this school and we have a right to know if anything has gone off.”

Another parent, who told Chad that she had removed one of her children from Robin Hood Primary last year, added: “This really needs to be made public - I really don’t understand why they are being so secretive. There are a lot of things wrong with this school and we need answers.”

Earlier today, Chad revealed that ‘inspirational’ school leader and Pride of Britain winner Sharon Gray, headteacher at Netherfield Primary School, in Carlton, has been put in temporary charge at Robin Hood Primary.

Another letter from the governors to parents is expected later this week.

John Slater, service director for educations standards and inclusion at Nottinghamshire County Council said: “The headteacher of Robin Hood Primary School has been suspended from her post while an investigation takes place into an incident which occurred at the school.

“As an investigation is on-going, it would not be appropriate to make any further comments.

Earlier this week, Chad reported that Robin Hood Primary was the first school in the county to get a new 20mph zone as part of a national road safety drive.

PICTURED: Chair of governors Pauline Witham (back, right) with Alan Rhodes, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, Kevin Greaves council chair of Transport, Coun Joyce Bosnjak and Robin Hood Primary pupils outside the school earlier this week.

Related topics:ParentsNottinghamshire County CouncilRobin HoodChad