20 October 2008

'Abuse Of Rights' At Movilla, Says Children's Commissioner

The Northern Ireland Children's Commissioner has branded strike action by teachers at a Newtownards school an "abuse of children's rights".

Speaking on the industrial action, sparked by an alleged assault on a member of staff, Patricia Lewsley said her offers to mediate in negotiated had been rejected.

Teachers at Movilla High School walked out last Monday.

Twenty-five staff took to the picket line after the principal docked the wages of colleagues who had refused to teach the pupil at the centre of the allegations.

Governors at the school decided not to expel the child, a move supported by the Education Board.

The school, which has more than 540 pupils, remained closed all last week.

So far all talks aimed at resolving the issue have failed.

Ms Lewsley has now stepped into the debate.

She said: "I have already offered to mediate in this dispute. That has been refused by the unions.

"They have been in negotiations and I think that there is the possibility of a resolution if they were prepared to sit down and talk about it."

NASUWT union spokesman Peter Scott said Ms Lewsley had not recognised the seriousness of the situation, adding "25 teachers don't just take this sort of action, unless there is some reason for it".

The South Eastern Education and Library Board has expressed regret at the failure to find agreement on a way forward.

According to NASUWT union members, teachers' proposals have been put forward to the SEELB, but they are yet to receive feedback.

The union said it had asked the board to make alternative arrangements for the pupil.

In a statement issued yesterday the board confirmed that the school would remain closed today.

See: Ards School Dispute Rumbles On

(PR/JM)